Two US states mull poker expansion
By Elena
24th April, 2008
Florida and Colorado have confirmed they are looking at liberalising state legislation governing live poker games.
In addition to the federal ban on online poker, many US states currently have curfews restricting the hours that live poker tournaments can be take place.
But late last week the Florida Senate approved a new measure that would pave the way for round-the-clock gaming on the weekend and 18-hour per day during the week.
The bill has yet to go before the US House of Representatives.
Colorado Senator Ron Tupa has also proposed an amendment to that state's current legislation, eliminating an antiquated law which caps poker table bets at a measly $5 (£2.50).
Colorado legislature's chief economist, Mike Mauer, told the Palm Beach Post that even doubling the wager limit to $10 would create an extra $13.7 million each year in state taxes.
It could also potentially help offset the recent downswing in casino revenues, largely attributed to the economic downturn and the state's new smoking ban.
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