Internet Poker Bill? and was just recently passed by the ND House of Representatives on February 16, 2005. The proposal, contained in House Bill 1509, seeks to change the very definition of gambling: it would like to see poker defined as a game of skill and not a form of gambling.
If this bill is passed in the state, it would be perfectly legal to own and operate an Internet poker site. Also, it would be legal for residents in ND to play online. North Dakota would be the first U.S. state to pass such a bill and could generate enormous revenue that would be noticed by other states, perhaps causing a domino effect in legislation. "I am deeply grateful to Barry Shulman, editor of Card Player magazine, and Allyn Jaffrey Shulman, attorney with expertise in online poker, who have been instrumental in assisting the North Dakota legislature. This bill could potentially match the whole revenue stream that the state has now." (Jim Kasper, North Dakota House of Representatives). Card Player editor Barry Shulman has been actively lobbying for this bill as well as 2004 WSOP winner Greg Raymer. Being passed by the ND Senate on March 15th will only make this bill one step closer to reality, but it is still a long walk.