DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A Senate panel has voted to approve a measure to legalize Internet poker in Iowa, sending it to a full committee for debate.
Supporters say residents already gamble online and the state doesn't get any revenue and there are no regulations. The measure would allow the state's casinos and racetracks to offer Internet poker, and would put state gaming regulators in charge.
The measure was approved Monday by a three-member panel of the Senate State Government Committee. Debate by the full committee is expected later in the week.
Projections show that legalizing Internet poker could generate between $3 million and $13 million for the state's coffers.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has issued a study outlining how the state could structure Internet poker.
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