Federal Legislation is preferred by Nevada Governor

Brian Sandoval the current Nevada Governor has weighed in on the discussion of local state legislation vs. national federal legislation with regards to online gambling, and came in favor of federal legislation.

In recent months many stories have been circulating over the efforts of several US states to pass intrastate legislation so they can license, regulate and tax online poker within their states.

At the same time there were also attempts from politicians, industry leaders and various pressure groups to try and force a change in federal legislation and change the complete ban that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) passed in 2006 has imposed on online gambling money transactions.

The recent comments from Governor Sandoval will sure crush the hopes of many to see intrastate poker regulated and offered to residents of Nevada.

A report in the Las Vegas Sun reported that the Republican Governor is a keen supporter of federal legislation and promises that if changes to legislation will be made on a national level; Nevada will be the first US state to take advantage of the changes and introduce online poker in a heartbeat.

The latest federal bill on the matter was introduced by Congressman John Campbell last months and Governor Sandoval supports this bill.

It is important to note that even if Nevada and other individual states will approve intrastate online poker, it does not technically prevent interstate online poker being introduced via a federal bill.

The problem arises from the involvement of different interest groups that have aligned themselves in support of intrastate or interstate legislation due to their invested financial interests in one or the other being approved.

It remains to be seen which side will prevail as both sides have some big gaming companies and lobbying groups in their corner. Hopefully the American people and leadership will soon see the light and repeal the UIGEA or allow each state to gain control via intrastate legislation to allow American poker players to play online in a safe and regulated environment as they did prior to 2006.