The state of Iowa is going through some tough economic times and people within the state are trying to turn to online poker for help.
Legalizing Online Poker
Iowa's budget shortage is projected to reach US$ 1 billion by 2011. Therefore, some people are lobbying for the legalization of online poker, a move that should bring more revenue into the state.
The new proposal would have Iowa residents making online deposits and cash their winnings at one of the 17 casinos in Iowa. This move would have the online revenues bypassing the banks and staying within the state. According to the supporters, the move could bring Iowa US$ 11.5 million in annual revenue, an amount that would definitely help that aching budget.
Casino Gaming
And just like that we keep seeing more legislatures and governments turn to casino gaming for help. The state of Pennsylvania voted for the expansion of table games in the state's casinos - with hopes that it would create up to 16,000 jobs and contribute US$ 300 million in revenue during the first year - while Estonia legalized online gambling to help it's own struggling economy.
UIGEA
Now, if everyone involved would do their part and help to get rid of the UIGEA for good, you'd figure that it would do great things for the U.S. economy as a whole.
