Weekly Roundup May 30 2014
Bovada Stops Accepting New Jersey Players
The biggest news this week was that Bovada stopped accepting new players from New Jersey. Players that already had an account at Bovada are not affected by this move. Bovada is the fourth major offshore poker site to leave New Jersey this year. In January, Merge Gaming left the market. Earlier this month, Winning Poker Network and Equity Poker Network left the state. Unlike Bovada, the other three networks also left Delaware and Nevada and did not grandfather in existing players.
Federal Poker Bill Released
Another federal poker bill has made its way to the public. It was first published by Ralston Reports. The bill does not have a sponsor and its author is unknown, although Ralston suspects Caesars Entertainment is behind it. The bill would legalize online poker in states that specifically allowed it. It would ban all forms of online casino games, even for state lotteries. Existing exemptions for lottery tickets, horse racing and fantasy sports would remain in tact under the bill.
Pennsylvania Poker Bill Said to be Weeks Away
Pennsylvania State Sen. Edwin Erickson released a memorandum that stated he will release an online poker bill in the coming weeks. The bill would allow only poker. The tax rate would be 14 percent. A license would cost $5 million under the bill. The exact text is not yet available.
World Series of Poker Underway
The World Series of Poker has started at Rio. This is the 10th year the full event will be played at Rio. Its previous location was Binion’s Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas. Players in Nevada and New Jersey may play online satellites at WSOP.com. Rio provides a grind room for players to bring laptops and play while at the World Series of Poker. Laptops are required as no tablet versions are available in Nevada.