The bill, introduced by Assemblyman William Horne with considerable backing by online industry giant PokerStars, found its first vocal brick-and-mortar casino support in the face of Michael Gaughan, the owner of the South Point Hotel and Casino.
“There is no doubt in my mind that online poker and other games are coming,” Gaughan said. “AB 258 would make us a pioneer in the nationwide movement and the leader for the rest of the country to emulate.”
Nevada is facing over a $1 billion deficit and a 13.5 percent unemployment rate. Gaughan believes that legalizing Internet poker could add employment opportunities and could bring over $500 million into the state budget.
"The federal bill was pro Harrah's and MGM, and wanted to keep everyone else out," Gaughan said. "I don't want the big places to wind up with it, and the little guys can't get it. Pass the bill and let the chips fall where they may. I think a state bill opens it up for everybody."
At hearings on Thursday, a Las Vegas economist, Jeremy Aquero, testified that 1,180 jobs would be created in Nevada, that would produce $7.7 million in wages each year, with taxes to the state ranging from $37.1 million to $65.1 million.Not surprisingly, MGM and Harrah's oppose the bill. They feel that the emphasis on legislation needs to be at the federal level, not at the state level.
Richard Perkins, representing PokerStars commented that “There are significant challenges in the Senate. If we wait for a federal solution, several other states will leapfrog you.”
