U.S. Casinos to Start Offering Real Money Online Poker
Recently announcements make it clear that casinos across the U.S. will soon be launching online poker casinos in order to bring in additional revenue. Despite bans in the U.S. regarding online casinos, the American Gaming Association released reports that an estimated $4 billion per year is spent by U.S. players in U.S.-friendly casinos. That's a lot of money that could be going to U.S. businesses, employees, and tax revenues. This is good news for players looking for U.S.-friendly online casino offerings. There soon will be plenty of options. For a casino to earn an internet poker license, they must have been in operation within the U.S. for 180 days as a brick and mortar casino. Per the Internet Poker Bill, casinos offering online casinos and poker rooms will pay a 16% tax and 2% of that fee will go the federal government, and the remaining 14% goes to the Native American tribal government or the state government.
Bringing Tribal Casinos Online
In late September, Atlantis Internet Group and Cake Gaming announced they've created a deal with the National Indian Gaming Commission to allow tribal casinos in 30 states to expand their casinos to include online poker games. Most recently, GEObet Gambling Network announced a deal with a yet unnamed tribal casino to launch the very first Native American poker room and online casino this November. This will make it easier for players to play at Native American casinos without having to travel. The tribes will benefit from additional income in these tough economic times.
Nevada Casinos to Open Online Poker Sites
In Nevada, eight casinos or gambling groups have received online intrastate poker licenses so far. This gives these casinos the go ahead to start building and launching their online poker sites. Most are expected to be up and running by early 2013. Casinos and groups with the newly-granted licenses are:
- American Casino & Entertainment Properties
- Bally Technologies
- Global Cash Access Holdings
- Golden Nugget
- Monarch Interactive
- PokerTrip
- SHFL Entertainment
- Station Casinos
Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts are still waiting to hear if their applications are approved. In addition, Bally Technologies hopes to expand their new online poker sites to include to their other holdings, the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania. Golden Nugget also hopes to include their casino in New Jersey.
Other States Tapping into Online Poker and Casinos
In June, Governor Jack Markell signed the law that will enable Delaware casinos to start offering online games on casino websites. These online games include blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots. The new online games are expected to launch in 2013. Bills to legalize online poker have been introduced in 16 states in all.