D.C. officials likely to repeal online gambling legislation

Legislators in Washington D.C. will vote this week to repeal online gambling legislation (iGaming) that was included with a budget bill passed last year. The Associated Press reports that online black jack and other online gambling games were legalized in the nation's capital last year, but the government-sponsored program was never implemented.

The news source reports that the majority of those voting on the issue are in favor of repeal. However the iGaming law, which was tacked onto a December 2012 budget bill by council member Michael Brown, may not disappear forever. The AP reports that several council members who support the repeal are also open to considering online poker legislation if it's reintroduced as its own bill.

"There's no reason to throw out the baby with the bathwater," Brown told The Washington Times. "I don't think we should throw out a totally legitimate law that will reap at least $150 million over the next 10 to 15 years."

D.C. officials have called for public hearings, and many fear that legalizing online gambling could open the door for casinos to move into the District.

Do you think even if the iGaming bill is repealed, there is still a chance for online gambling to become a reality in D.C.? Will public forums have a negative or positive impact on the future of online gambling?

Published on 7 February 2012