Florida Introduces Intrastate Online Poker BillFlorida’s HB 1441 Would Tax, Regulate Poker |
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A bill to legalize online poker within the state of Florida was filed today.
HB 1441, The Internet Poker Consumer Protection and Revenue Generation Act of 2010, would, according to the 42-page bill, “create a framework for the state to regulate Internet poker sites that can ensure consumer protections and additional revenue to the state by authorizing, implementing, and creating a licensing and regulatory structure and system of Internet poker.” (PDF of HB 1441)
State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington, pictured above right) filed the bill. He estimates that about 900,000 Florida residents gamble online and says the bill would generate more than $200 million a year.
Florida is facing a $3.2 billion deficit.
The state would collect revenue by charging a $500,000 fee to one or multiple Internet poker hub operators. The bill also states that each Internet poker hub operator shall pay the state 20 percent of its monthly gross receipts.
Florida’s Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering would supervise intrastate poker.
Poker players would have to be 21-years-old and physically present within Florida while playing.
The bill states that “Internet poker hub operator must register players and establish player accounts prior to play” and that accounts “may be established in person, by mail or telephone, or by any electronic means.”
The bill also lays out specific requirements for Internet poker hub operators, licensing requirements and consumer safeguards.
If passed, the bill would take effect July 1, 2010.
Intrastate online poker is being considered by many states, including California, New Jersey, and Iowa, as a means of shoring up record state deficits.
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Comments
The_Iceman
3 years ago
why would any site pay florida 20% when they operate there now for FREE!
TXMaxx
3 years ago
Because if they don't we in FL will be banned from the sites. This is just stupid, this is a Fed thing not a States rights issue. If this passes we will be shut down from playing in FL as no company will pay that for 1 state, maybe the entire US but not in every State. Typical stupid politicians and a money grab.
robreardon6
3 years ago
it will provide revenue for the state so thats not bad, Also, It provides protection for the players, which noone has now I think.
Uncle_Harvey
3 years ago
Screw the government. 20% is just stupid. Tax tax tax. Where will it end. How about they fix the roads and catch the criminals. Then they can focus on my evil poker habit.
poker4$$$$
3 years ago
What makes these guy think the poker sites are going to pay $500,000 and 20%!! Do they even think anymore, the poker sites will just op out of Florida...and then there will be no money for Florida again! We get screwed again...anyways here is Joe's number 561-791-4774. Time to call him and educate him. Idiots!