It seems like the state of Mississippi will be the next one where certain changes related to online poker might take place. Apparently, more and more state officials realize the benefits the online gambling legislation would bring to their states.
During 2014, a few states made the first steps towards legalizing the online gambling and now, Mississippi is about to join them since the online poker legislation is back on the agenda. Apart from California, Mississippi and Washington are also believed to make some serious legislative efforts.
Surprising or not, online gambling legislation has been in progress for a pretty long time. The Mississippi Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2012 intended to figure out the details, concerning the rights and responsibilities of Mississippi-based players and providers, license issuing and all procedures related to it.
Allen Godfrey, an executive director of Mississippi Gaming Commission, said that the state will always be willing to follow the most innovative tendencies with the intention of boosting state revenue and providing residents with more opportunities for both career and leisure.
Bobby Moak, a key figure in the gambling legislation affairs, has been repeatedly trying to take actions towards online gambling legislation but his previous attempts could not succeed in gaining considerable recognition.
Since there are three states that have already enabled their citizens use remote gambling options, Mississippi officials decided to carefully consider the possible threats the online poker legislation would bring.
That is why they intended to see what the attitudes of local residents are by conducting a study, related to iGaming. The results are to be announced anytime soon but according to Allen Godfrey, no matter what the outcome is, there is a slight chance for Mississippi to legalize any form of online gambling. What made him so convinced that the online poker legislation is unlikely to pass during 2015 was the fact that there will be elections during the current year.
In case the proposal, submitted by Moak, passes, the state of Mississippi will have the chance to sign important, profitable agreements with neighboring states, tribal casinos and even other countries.
However, local officials need to pay considerable attention to the illegal online gambling activities that take place on the territory of the state. Those, suspected in participating in illegal forms of gambling are to face severe financial penalties and they are threatened to spend up to 10 years in jail. In addition, any property that has been subject to betting may be confiscated.
