The Iowa Senate approved a long awaited online poker measure that will allow existing gambling establishments in the American Heartland to offer internet poker, it was announced on Tuesday. The measure was approved by 29 to 20, with supporters stating that since Iowans already gamble online, the bill will be able to provide a framework of laws to regulate their activities. Another selling point which resulted in Senate approval was the understanding that the bill will bring in much needed additional state tax revenue. It is believed that legalized online poker could generate anything between $3 million and $13 million in taxes per year.
Under the terms of the law, the fledgling online poker industry will be regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which will also oversee state casinos and racetracks when they begin to offer online poker. The Commission has already issued a study which will examine how Iowa can most effectively structure its online poker industry.
The Senate approval is not the end of the road for the online poker measure, however, as it still has to receive House approval. Should Governor Terry Branstad sign the bill into law, it would make the state one of the first in the US to approve and establish a legalized online poker system.
One of the supporters of the bill was Senator Jeff Danielson of Cedar Falls, who said that he was in favor of protecting Iowa consumers, as well as the investment which the state has made in the bill up to this point.
It is still not clear whether Iowans support the idea or not. While their representatives in the Senate voted in favor, a recent poll showed that 69% of the respondents were opposed to internet poker in Iowa.
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