Market focus: Florida
A snapshot of America's cash-strapped sunshine state, which is considering legalising online poker to protect players and raise much-needed tax revenue.
FLORIDA GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST signed a study bill in late June to explore the possibility of passing laws to protect state residents from playing on unregulated offshore poker sites and the potential impact of legalising intrastate online poker on Florida’s bricks and mortar card rooms.
Presented to the legislature this week, the study could open the way for online poker legislation to be introduced into the Florida legislature in early 2010.
Projected annual online poker revenues: US$500m
Population: 18.3 million
Card rooms: 32. The study bill suggests any legislation passed would need to safeguard these businesses. Could be the only businesses allowed to apply for online licenses if Florida follows the system mooted in California.
Indian gaming revenues: US$2bn with the Seminole tribe accounting for 90% of these. The tribe is currently renegotiating its gaming compact with the state. The Seminole acquired the Hard Rock Café chain from Rank in 2006 for US$965m (£490m at the current exchange at the time).