U.S. states want some action

[4 of a kind]

Some U.S. states may be getting creative.. Here's an interesting article about legalizing in state online gambling.



Iowa's Plan to Legalize Online Gambling
Mar. 05, 2010
Midwest State Proposes Regulating Online Gambling, But Restricting It to Iowa-Only Casinos
March 5, 2010 (CAP Newswire) – And the drive to legalize and regulate online gambling state-by-state continues full throttle as Iowa lawmakers have in the last week become increasingly vocal about legalizing Internet casinos in that small Midwestern state.

"Here's an opportunity for $11.5 million a year for an activity that's already going on in the state where Iowans have exposed themselves to significant risks," said State Representative Doug Struyk, a Republican from Council Bluffs, according to Iowa’s KWQC-TV website.

Struyk is referring to the fact that about 50,000 Iowans currently already gamble on the Internet, but because of existing laws, are doing so illegally. So a group of lawmakers, like in some other states, have raised the idea of regulating and taxing online gambling to make it safer for the players, and of course bring in some much-needed money to the state’s treasury.

Struyk’s idea is to legalize online gambling but to restrict Iowans to gambling at online casinos located in Iowa. Players would “have to go to one of the 17 casinos in Iowa” and make a deposit of “between $50 and $500,” according to the article. The player could then access an online account connected to that casino to gamble or play poker. The way it would be set up, cities and the state government would likely get a chunk of the money spent.

“The player would only be able to access their account from an Iowa Internet address,” the article further explains. “If the player wins from behind the computer screen they would have to go to the casino to collect their money. The online gambling legislation is in the drafting stages right now. If it moves all the way to approval the system could go online as early as next year.”

So ... good or bad news? Certainly, this initiative of more and more lawmakers wanting to legalize online gambling is exciting. But if every state does it the way that Iowa proposes, that would push out the big online casino brands and eliminate traditional online gambling affiliate marketing in the states that go their own way. (The same is likely in California's online poker legalization push.)

[swampwitch]

As an Iowan, I'm glad to see some sort of movement...but this idea is wicked stupid.
If I have to go to the ladbased casino to make a deposit, then what's the point? If I'm there anyway, I'd just as soon gamble my money there. The chairs are comfy, nice ladies bring me drinks, there's a buffet...and did I mention I'm there anyway?????
Part of the attraction of gambling online for me is the convenience. If it was convenient for me to drive an hour and a half whenever I wanted to gamble, I'd be doing that instead.

Were I the suspicious sort (who, me?), I'd think Doug Struyk might be working for the land casinos...to get those bodies in the casinos and away from their computers.

[love2winalot]

Hiya: This idea is like going to War, with one hand tied behind your back, and blindfolded, and you can't shoot unless shot at first.....Yea, you will kill afew, but the rest will just walk right past you.....

Why have to drive to the Casino? There is this new invention, It is called a WEBSITE. Have the Damn Casino set up deposits thru their website, and verify Age via required documents, Before being allowed to make a deposit.

They say 50,000 in the state gamble online. How in the hell do they KNOW that? Did they post a poll somewhere? hehehe They say they would, Restrict residents to Iowa Casino'sz only. If they can't stop them, "the 50,000", from gambling online, then how will they force them to only gamble at their Casino's?

And then you have to go to the Casino to get Paid? Why? If it is legal, just send a check, or do a direct deposit, or anything......

As it is proposed now, "unless you live next door to the Casino", no one is going to do Small cashouts. So, even a disiplined player will keep playing, because, "I am not driving all that way just to get $50".

Make it legal to Gamble Online is a great idea. But, None of the Lawmakers drafting this have made a single bet Online. Maybe they should get a Clue from those that do, before trying something that is doomed to fail. Or. at least, go spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express". hehehe

[Sure24]

Do it!!

[oldtrvlagt]

As an Iowan, I'm glad to see some sort of movement...but this idea is wicked stupid.
If I have to go to the ladbased casino to make a deposit, then what's the point? If I'm there anyway, I'd just as soon gamble my money there. The chairs are comfy, nice ladies bring me drinks, there's a buffet...and did I mention I'm there anyway?????
Part of the attraction of gambling online for me is the convenience. If it was convenient for me to drive an hour and a half whenever I wanted to gamble, I'd be doing that instead.

Were I the suspicious sort (who, me?), I'd think Doug Struyk might be working for the land casinos...to get those bodies in the casinos and away from their computers.

You hit the nail on the head! They really do not have a clue. Go to the casino, deposit money, go home and play, win a little, go back to the casino to get paid and go home again....yeah...I don't think so

[slotplayer]

the idea is bogus - they are doing what all the online casinos do, make it difficult. Its just a ploy to maximize profits, make the player go to the casino to deposit and withdraw knowing full well they're likely to spend even money.

The way to implement this is, via the players card.

1: A visitor at the land casino applies for a players card.
They make those players cards on the spot and make you select a pw.

2: The casino verifies your id anyway to get the card. - There's your withdrawal documents - done.

3: When you get the card the casino offers you a CD or via a snail mail opt-in.

4: The CD # is tied to players card # and linked when they make the card.

You could easily win at the land casino and have it transfered to your online account or win online and have it transfered to your players card or land casino account for when you visit the land casino.