Mon, 03/07/2011 – 20:51 – PokerPages Staff

Iowa is making moves to become the first state to legalize and regulate online poker after a measure was passed by the Government Committee last week.

The news comes in the wake of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s decision to veto an internet gambling bill on March 3.

The Iowa State Committee approved the measure by a 9-6 vote and it will now seek the approval of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House before potentially being signed into law by the Governor.

Online poker is highly popular in the state with around 150,000 players currently competing on sites such as PokerStars.

Senator Rick Bertrand believes it is time to set up a fully regulated intrastate gambling market.

“If we do not make a move now, the Federal Government is going to make a move in the next few years and we will lose the revenue. I think it is forward thinking.”

However, Senator Jerry Behn opposes any changes and stated that voters should be given the chance to decide on the issue of regulated online gambling.

“This limits the voter. I think this is really changing the rules in the middle of the game.”

The bill would generate up to $40 million in revenue on an annual basis, providing a timely boost to the local economy.

Wed, 01/12/2011 – 23:01 – PokerPages Staff

A full regulated and licensed online gambling network moved one step closer to becoming reality in New Jersey on Monday after the Intrastate Internet Gambling Bill cleared the Assembly.

The bill will allow land based operators such as Harrah’s and other New Jersey based gaming entities to offer online poker and other internet versions of games.

Republican Governor Chris Christie will now have the final decision on the legislation which would create an additional $100 million in revenue and 500 jobs for the state.

However, it remains to be seen whether the bill will meet Christie’s approval. There are significant arguments against the passing of the gambling bill, including the fact it could put New Jersey in possible violation of Federal Law.

Those in support of the bill believe it will allow the state to move ahead of others and ‘grab the online gaming market.’

Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (IMEGA) Chairman Joe Brennan spoke of his delight at the news earlier this week.

“Congratulations to New Jersey’s legislators on their overwhelming vote in favor of the intrastate internet gambling bill.”

“It is clear that New Jersey’s representatives want their state to be at the forefront of the online gambling industry, both in the U.S and globally.”

The world’s biggest online poker site, PokerStars, has not yet given any indication to its plans if the bill is signed into law.