Sun. Jan 12th, 2025
Legislators propose 15% to 25% tax rate for new states adopting internet gambling

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Lawmakers from states where gambling is legal are proposing standards for additional states that are considering allowing internet gambling, including a tax rate of 15% to 25%, and a ban on credit card deposits.

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States issued model legislation last week for states that are weighing whether to permit internet gambling. The proposal will be discussed at the group’s winter meeting in New Orleans next week.

It is designed to give them a framework around which to build their own legislation while incorporating things that have been working well in other states.

Seven U.S. states currently offer legal online casino games: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. Nevada offers internet poker but not online casino games.

”Many states have been discussing this, but were having a hard time getting it across the finish line,” said Shaun Fluharty, a West Virginia Democratic state delegate who serves as president of the national legislators group. ”We’re trying to put together some best practices for them.”

The proposed legislation is modeled closely on laws that have been operating in states including New Jersey, which has been a leader in approving and regulating internet gambling since 2013. David Rebuck, the retired head of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, advised the lawmakers’ group on the proposed legislation.

”Ninety-five percent of this mirrors what we’re already doing in New Jersey, which is good,” he said. ”It’s a great start that builds on what is already in place and operational elsewhere.”

It calls for strict oversight of internet gambling to protect consumers and weed out unsavory individuals and companies. The proposal also calls for the establishment of a government agency to regulate online wagering if one does not already exist.

By Xplayer