Atlantis to launch US tribal online poker network
Atlantis Internet Group has signed a licensing agreement with Cake Gaming to establish an online poker network for players in tribal casinos across the US.
Atlantis Internet Group has signed a licensing agreement with Cake Gaming to establish an online poker network for players in tribal casinos across the US.
Donald L Bailey, chief executive of ATIG, said the Tribal Gaming Network (TGN) would offer an “immediate and legal solution” to Indian casinos nationwide.
“This is a significant milestone for ATIG and Cake, and will become an immediate economical shot in the arm for Tribes and states facing deficits nationwide,” he said.
While the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) banned deposits related to internet gambling already illegal under federal, state or tribal gaming laws, it also introduced exemptions for states that pass intrastate egaming laws, Indian Casinos and intertribal internet gaming.
ATIG said the Wide Area Progressive (WAP) technology used for the TGN, potentially allowing players across 30 US states to play specific online games on Indian lands, meant it could not be considered as illegal internet gaming under UIGEA.
Gambling data business H2 Gambling Capital has projected that US internet gaming regulation would create close to 32,000 jobs and up to US$57.5bn in tax revenue over five years.
California, New Jersey and Florida are among the states currently considering authorising intrastate gaming under the framework established by UIGEA, with California poised to introduce an amended version of its poker bill for a vote in a special legislative session by the end of 2010.