The Nevada Gaming Control Board and state Gaming Commission must now draft and adopt rules to govern internet gambling in the state. The state of New Jersey wanted to beat Nevada into the realm of internet gambling through a bill allowing New Jersey casinos to offer blackjack, roulette, slot machines and other games over the internet. However, the bill has stalled.
According to the Associated Press, experts estimate revenue from internet gambling in the US, currently based off-shore due to its illegality, reached $1.5 billion last year. The industry reportedly could be worth $6 billion by 2003.
Hotel casinos with unrestricted licences in Nevada could apply for a two year on-line licence for a $500,000 fee. This fee is said to be an attempt to ensure that only reputable companies are able to apply. Manufacturers of any interactive gambling devices would pay a $250,000 licence fee, a $100,000 fee would be assessed against a manufacturer of equipment associated with a gambling device, and a $50,000 fee would be charged for a licence to manufacture peripheral equipment.
Casinos would pay 6% tax on any gross winnings.