Mississippi Gets Bill To Legalize Online Gambling

A bill has been entered into the Mississippi House of Representatives that would legalize online poker in the southern state.

House Bill 1373 was introduced by State Representative Bobby Moak with the title "The Mississippi Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2012". The bill would establish the legal framework under which intrastate online gambling would need to follow.

The bill reads: "An effective state regulatory and licensing system for online gaming would inhibit underage wagering and otherwise protect vulnerable individuals, ensure that the games offered through the Internet are fair and safe, stop sending much-needed jobs and tax and fee revenue overseas to illegal operators, provide a significant source of taxable revenue, create jobs and economic development, address the concerns of law enforcement, and ensure that only those persons of good character and fitness, who meet strict criteria set forth in law and regulations, are suitable to facilitate and conduct online gaming activities."

It also states that: "The state regulation of legal gaming in this state, and the provisions of this (Act), prescribe a lawful exemption to UIGEA," while noting that the U.S. Department of Justice has vacated any action under the Wire Act by confirming that it only applies to sports betting.

Other aspects of the bill spell out that a regulated body would enforce including: licensing fees, permit requirements, administrative and financial procedures, underage gambling protection, non compliance measures, illegal operators, and penalties for software tampering.

The full bill can be accessed at: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2012/pdf/HB/1300-1399/HB1373I...