Wed, 04/13/2011 – 03:35 – PokerPages Staff

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has pledged his support to federal driven legislation in the United States according to reports.

Nevada became the latest state to introduce a bill which could create a fully regulated local online poker framework earlier this year.

However, Sandoval has revealed that he would favor blanket federal legislation rather than the Assembly Bill 258 measure.

Sandoval admitted that he did not ‘want the state to be in contravention of the federal law.’
The federal law in question is the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

Bill AB258 was introduced by Assembly Chairman William Horne last month.  Horne has vowed to continue his efforts to push through the legislation despite the stance taken by Governor Sandoval.

Sandoval’s views apparently dovetail with influential lobbyists such as MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, who supposedly support federal intervention.

However, South Point Hotel and Casino owner Michael Gaughan publicly announced his support to Nevada’s legalization of online poker and it remains to be seen whether the Silver State will offer licensed and regulated card playing in the near future.

Washington DC seemed to take the lead in creating the first regulated intrastate framework in the United States earlier this week when reports suggested the district city council had approved a budget to offer the service last year.