Do you think USA will have regulated online poker in 5 years?

aflaba · #1 10-27-2006, 11:08 PM

How big(%) do you think the chance is that USA will have regulated online poker in 5 years?

Just curious what to think of the future of online poker...

roxtar · #2 10-28-2006, 12:26 AM

I think that depends totally on our ability as a group to organize and get up enough money to pay for effective access to our legislators in order to get it done (as sick an idea as that may seem). I put it at about 35-40%

Shoe · #3 10-28-2006, 12:43 AM

I think it will be within 1-2 years. Harrah's and other land-based casino companies are now foaming at the mouth to get into the online market. They also give First and Kyl & company good money. I think this is their plan.

1. Shut down online gambling (pre-emptive strike on the competition).
2. Legalize and regulate online gambling for American companies.
3. Profit big time.

Synergistic Explosions · #4 10-28-2006, 01:30 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I think it will be within 1-2 years. Harrah's and other land-based casino companies are now foaming at the mouth to get into the online market. They also give First and Kyl & company good money. I think this is their plan.

1. Shut down online gambling (pre-emptive strike on the competition).
2. Legalize and regulate online gambling for American companies.
3. Profit big time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree mostly with your synopsis. I just hope they don't allow stupid casino games like slots and video poker etc. Those really are the big problem with compulsive gamblers online.

idmtchris · #5 10-28-2006, 02:04 AM

This is simple politics. If the big gaming companies start pumping money into the pockets of politicians it could easily happen in a few years. I think it will take a Democratic Senate and Congress, but we might see that this next election. We really need the Steve Wynn's of this industry to start working it, they need to hire the lobbiests and start pumping the cash.

CaseS87 · #6 10-28-2006, 03:27 AM

It certainly won't happen befoe the '08 presidential election.

ASD99 · #7 10-28-2006, 04:04 AM

i think it is close to 90%...mainly bc of the sites and powerful people that are against this bill including banks, other countries etc...most importantly the US will realize how inaffective this bill will become just like prohibition and how much money they can gain from taxing and regulating it=legalization in the near future.

malo · #8 10-28-2006, 08:37 AM

Like Shoe, if you are looking at within five years, 90% chance of it happening. And a so-so chance it could happen in 2-3 years. As others have said, there is too much money to be made, and the big US gaming corporations want their piece of the pie.

My greatest fear is that Harrah's, etc., will rake online the way they do B&M games. And just guessing, but after perhaps a few initial offers, bonuses will be few and far between, and unmentionable will be unavailable.

Squarehoop1 · #9 10-28-2006, 08:51 AM

I agree with this post, a lack of combination, added tax, and registration fees for the casinos is going to drive the price up significantly.

scorer · #10 10-28-2006, 08:58 AM

No, i dont think you will see this. The only way would be if there is an expansion of casino based poker that went online. I don't think the USA is looking to broaden the gambling within the states. Part of the reason for this move was to in there eyes, reduce underage gambling and gamblers who gamble away there savings to destroy lives. I think they view this law as helping keep families together etc. Wouldnt the lotteries then be in competition with there aid to education??