Internet Poker Legislation

The internet poker bills are still in the state senate... where some lawmakers still question the legality of allowing on-line gambling.

But the driving force behind the bill appeared before the press today... armed with legal documents he says clear the way for North Dakota to allow internet poker... if the voters say yes.

Representative Jim Kasper says several offshore websites are waiting for a state to give the green light and regulate them... and he says the state that takes the plunge could reap hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues.

He says eighty percent of the funds would go towards property tax relief... and North Dakotans won't have to worry about any federal lawsuits.

Rep. Jim Kasper/(R) Fargo: "Attorney General Stenehjem, in our discussions, defends lawsuits all the time. The governor, as an example, has told the state of North Dakota to proceed with building the ditch out of Devils Lake. The Canadians are objecting and the Minnesotans are objecting. You know what, there may be some legal action there. Well, sometimes you have to take a risk. You have to take a risk based on prudent decision making and what is the benefits to the people of the state of North Dakota."

Kasper says the bill has been amended to require internet poker sites to pay all start-up costs in the state and to contribute to a two million dollar legal defense fund in case the state is sued.

Alan Miller

News Added: 18 March, 2005

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