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D.C. Considers Online Gambling

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A law went into effect this week that would allow the District to run online poker and other games.
A law went into effect this week that would allow the District to run online poker and other games.

A provision permitting D.C. to offer online gaming within its borders was included in the 2011 budget. A 30-day period for Congress to object to the measure expired last week.

The law goes into effect despite the fact that there is a still a federal law on the books aimed at prohibiting online gambling.

D.C. Council Member Michael A. Brown says he hopes the revenue the District takes in from the online gambling will help offset cuts to social services programs. His office says conservative estimates from D.C.'s chief financial officer indicate the district could bring in $13 million through fiscal year 2014.

D.C. would be allowed to offer online poker and other games of skill and chance. The program would be implemented by the D.C. Lottery, according to a [report]http://www.tbd.com/articles/2011/04/d-c-to-legalize-online-gambling-58490.html from ABC7.

Efforts to legalize Internet gambling have stalled elsewhere, including in New Jersey.

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