Experts from New Jersey & Nevada Testify on Online Poker Legislation

California lawmakers are deliberating about the future of online gambling. The State Assembly held a hearing last Wednesday to discuss all issues concerning the legalization of online poker. Wednesday's meeting was the largest convention ever held on the issue at either the federal or state level.

Over 30 witnesses testified on the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing online poker. These witnesses included current and former lawmakers, as well as representatives from some of the largest state casinos and most renowned online gaming providers in the world who operate in New Jersey.

The witnesses were given a few minutes to present their findings and recommendations to the Assembly. Many state lawmakers are still deciding whether or not they should support legalizing online poker. They have been unable to have a serious discussion about the long-term benefits and drawbacks of online gambling, because the state's tribes and card rooms have had difficulty compromising on the key provisions that should be included in a bill. The State Assembly is ready to discuss the future of online gambling more seriously now that the stakeholder views are starting to converge.

Mark Lipparelli, the former Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, testified about the regulatory issues that California should consider. Tobin Prior, CEO of Ultimate Gaming and Tom Ballance, President of Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel both discussed the market challenges that gaming providers would likely face.

Chairpersons from several of the state's casino tribes also testified. Lawmakers have sworn to make sure that any legislation will take the needs of the tribes into consideration, so they solicited their feedback at the recent meeting.

Sheldon Adelson, the Chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, was also given time to speak. Adelson has been very vocal about his opposition to legalizing online poker. He was given the opportunity to have his stance on the record.