Nevada Posts Proposals for Online Poker

Gaming authorities in the U.S. state of Nevada have published proposals for regulating online poker in the event that the federal government deems the activity legal.

The proposals, which were posted Wednesday to the Gaming Control Board website, include rules for technology approval, customer enrollment, record-keeping and entity suitability. They also contain mandates for internal control and oversight of online gaming operators and disciplinary measures for those who violate the regulations.

Said Gaming Control Board Chairman, Mark Lipparelli, in a statement released yesterday: "Internet poker has become a multibillion dollar business around the world. "The technology supporting it, while not perfect, has improved dramatically since its introduction. Similar to our land-based requirements, Nevada will establish high standards, giving players as much confidence as possible in the entities and technologies that might eventually gain approval."

The proposals were established following the approval of Assembly Bill 258 by the Nevada State Legislature and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. Assembly Bill 258 called on the Gaming Control Board to set forth online poker regulations now in order that Nevada have safeguards in place if/when the licensing of intrastate poker operators becomes legal.

The proposals will likely undergo several amendments and revisions before they meet with the required control board and Nevada Gaming Commission approval. The first step towards meeting that approval will be a public regulatory process slated for September 26.

Said Lipparelli: "We can't predict what may happen with any national legislation and we have attempted to frame these regulations in a manner that will provide appropriate flexibility. This will be a rigorous process and these regulations will, no doubt, undergo a good deal of revision."