Three Licences For Massachusetts Online Poker

4/19/2012 : MASSACHUSETTS ONLINE POKER?
 
Rep. Dan Wilson wants three licenses issued…
 
Representative Dan Wilson of Massachusetts faces an uphill battle in trying to get fellow lawmakers interested in an intrastate online poker initiative, but if nothing else he intends to make sure they are aware of the opportunity.
 
The Boston Herald reported Thursday that the Norfolk Republican wants to create an intrastate internet poker environment in Massachusetts by issuing three strictly regulated licenses for acceptable operators who just might include the three land casinos recently approved by the state legislature.
 
Procedurally, his move is unlikely to succeed, thanks to an order in the House effectively blocking any gambling amendments to the state budget, but Wilson says he in any case wants to make sure House members are aware of options to generate additional state revenues, and hopes his plan will merit consideration before the House and Senate recess formal sessions for the year this summer.
 
Under his plan (amendment 827), each licence would require a minimum $10 million fee and there would be a 25 percent tax on gross gaming proceeds.
 
"We can create new, high paying tech jobs by leading the launch of this new industry in the United States," he said Thursday.