DC passes Intrastate Internet gambling project

After years of struggling and discussions around the nation, the District of Columbia (Washington DC) became the first U.S. jurisdiction to allow online poker after approving a project to regulate and tax online gaming activities within the state.

According to several sources, online gaming services are expected to be ready to operate late this summer. Officials are hoping to generate $13.1 million in tax revenue over the next three fiscal years.

"We also have people that are playing poker here every day here and have been for the last couple of years. We just can't regulate them and get fees. Now we can regulate them and we can get fees," commented D.C. Council Member Michael Brown, who also introduced the measure.

The provision, included on page 28 of the budget bill, was approved this week after passing a 30-day period given to the Congress to object to the measure. The provision gives the D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board the authority to set up "both games of skill and games of chance," and to offer games online.

Intralot Interactive, who currently operates the D.C. Lottery on the city's behalf, would most likely be the main game provider and will also help the city to manage the games. Only D.C. residents would legally be allowed to participate. However, the system will not offer players as many options as the existent online poker sites operating outside the U.S. The system will impose betting limits and will restrict credit cards deposits due to federal regulations. Instead, operators will offer several forms of electronic payment and will require players to register and meet a series of fields in order to be allowed to gamble.