VIRGINIA SENATOR HOPES THIRD TIME WILL BE LUCKY FOR POKER SKILL GAME BILL
Following daily fantasy sports legalization last year, poker may be in with a chance.
Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas is nothing if not tenacious…for the third year running she has introduced a bill to the state Senate seeking to legalize US online poker as a game predominantly one of skill, hoping to ride the crest of the daily fantasy sports legalization achieved early last year.
Her bill SB1400 is currently with the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee, whose 15 members will decide whether to progress it or condemn the Senator to another year of failure.
SB1400 includes the following main points:
* Poker is a game predominantly of skill and should be legalized as such, taking it beyond state rules on gambling;
* Land-based bingo operators may be licensed to conduct live poker games and tournaments;
* Tournament organizers will only be permitted to hold one tourney per week;
* Players in such games and tournaments must be 18 years or older;
* No poker game prize may exceed $100;
* Games and tournaments will be for cash only – EFTs, credit and debit cards transactions are not permitted;
* Oversight will be provided by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and The Charitable Gaming Board;
* Responsible gambling precautions must be emphasized by operators.