MORE TWEAKS FOR NEVADA ONLINE POKER REGULATIONS

Friday,  November 4, 2011 : Second hearing produces some practical suggestions
 
The Nevada Gaming Control Board held its second hearing on proposed regulations for a legalised online poker environment Thursday, considering a number of suggestions.
 
There was concern over a provision banning player-to-player transfers, which in the online poker industry is a generally used facility for players within a site to stake each other.
 
Mark Liparelli, who chairs the Board, explained that the regulation was included because the Board did not want to risk the development of what he called "shadow banking" in which less scrupulous players may attempt to circumvent safe and conventional financial structures.
 
A legal representative for 888 Holdings, which the Board approved as a partner for European online operations with Caesars Entertainment earlier this year, applauded the efforts in Nevada to set up a practical regulatory environment in preparation for the legalization of the pastime.
 
“It’s unfortunate that a country that gave birth to the Internet, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, is stuck in prohibition,” he said, adding that his client is keen to establish a physical presence in Nevada once legalization is approved, probably by opening a "logistical centre".
 
The controversial question of an exclusionary database was also discussed, with Board members appearing to favour the idea on the basis that excluding certain individuals in the internet poker environment would likely be easier than in brick-and-mortar operations.
 
The consultations are set to continue, with the final regulations set sometime in December, when they will be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission.