The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) recently declared its support for an online poker bill, which recently passed in North Dakota's state House of Representatives. The bill would legalize, regulate and tax online poker.

The state House approved the bill on February 16th and the state Senate is expected to consider the bill on March 8th. Should the bill pass in the Senate, it will still require the governor's signature. Moreover, as a constitutional amendment, the bill could require a vote by North Dakota's voters.

The IGC was quoted as saying that the bill demonstrates considerable foresight among its supporters. The bill recognizes the rampant, irrepressible popularity of online poker, and instead of trying to defeat the phenomenon, it attempts to wield it for the benefit of the state. By allowing for online poker, the state will benefit from tax relief as well as from a new, potentially lucrative local industry.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Friday, 04 March 2005