Iowa Online Poker Bill Unanimously Passes Subcommittee

An online poker bill passed a key hurdle in the Iowa State Senate Monday, as a three-person subcommittee unanimously passed the legislation on to the committee stage.

The subcommittee was made up of three members of the Senate State Government committee, and the full committee will now have the opportunity to look at the bill. There were two Democrats and one Republican on the subcommittee, all of whom showed strong support for the bill.

Under the proposed legislation, which is known as Senate Study Bill 3164, online poker would be permitted in Iowa for residents of that state. The bill allows for just one poker site that would be operated by the state’s casino operators, who would be allowed to partner with online casino software companies in order to create the sites.

In order to participate, players would either have to be an existing member of one of Iowa’s casinos (through their player clubs or by other means), or visit a casino in order to sign up specifically for the online poker site.

According to State Senator Jeff Danielson, the chief sponsor of the bill, regulation of the online poker world is a necessary improvement over the unregulated stance the state takes now, one that essentially amounts to a lack of having any policy at all.

“I believe we out to have a thoughtful policy,” said Danielson, “a responsible policy that protects poker players so that they can be assured a fair game and a level playing field.”

Danielson received support from across the aisle, as Republican State Senator Rick Bertrand agreed that the bill would be a positive move for Iowa.

“In an environment where we’re all looking for new revenue sources and squeezing down freedoms, I see this…as an opportunity for a new revenue stream that expands on some freedoms,” Bertrand said. “We have a bill before us that’s making the most honest attempt that we can to get that done.”

Of course, not everyone in Iowa is on board with expanding online gambling. Radio Iowa reported several groups in opposition, including members of the Iowa Catholic Conference and The Family Leader. Opponents say that online gambling will create more gambling addicts and could give minors access to gambling.