North Dakota, Illinois, Georgia are looking for updating legislation to allow e-gambling

North Dakota, Illinois, Georgia on way to give green light to e-gambling

The US states, looking for expanding income resources, may legalize online gambling activity. North Dakota, Illinois, and Georgia lawmakers, who are looking for permitting $10 billion-a-year Internet gambling industry, have to fight the old legislation.

The US officials recently were reported to make the first probe as they tried to focus on federal Wire Act of 1961, which bans use of telephones to place sports bets. The lawmakers have struggled for a decade to update the law, and extend the scope of the law with online casino games notes.

States lawmakers say they are confident proposed legislation will not violate federal law, and they are willing to defend themselves in court.

"No one wants tax increases. This is a legitimate revenue maker," said  North Dakota state Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, who stands behind the legislation that would allow Internet poker sites to operate inside the state. The media reported, the initiative has passed the House. Kasper, searching for overhauling North Dakota constitution, argues internet poker could generate millions through taxes and fees.

North Dakota attorney general's office, which would regulate sites, last week received a letter from the Justice Department reiterating the federal ban on all Internet gambling, reported The USAtoday.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem sent the letter back to the state Senate Judiciary Committee, which is reviewing the bills. At the same time, Illinois is considering a bill to allow the sale of lottery tickets online to state residents 18 and older. Georgia state Rep. Terry Barnard, R-Glennville, has proposed a similar bill that eventually passed the House last week.