U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is declaring congressional efforts to legalize Internet poker dead for the year.
Reid, D-Nev., said Dec. 17 that proponents of an online gambling bill are out of time as the legislative session draws to a close.
Reid said he’s disappointed by lawmakers’ failure to reach a deal to legalize and regulate interstate gambling online. He said he’ll take up the effort again next session, along with U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev.
Reid was working with U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., to push a bill through in the final days of the 2012 session. They faced opposition from state lotteries and Indian casinos.
With individual states moving ahead with online games, the casino industry is seeking a federal standard.
