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Report: Delaware First to Approve Online Gambling

Geolocation software will be used to ensure gamblers are within Delaware borders.

Gov. Jack Markell signed the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 on June 28, just one day after the bill was passed by the Delaware State Senate with a 14-6 vote. The new act makes Delaware the first state to legally endorse full-service online casino gambling that includes roulette, poker and blackjack.

Support for the new act was born from increasing competition from neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania casinos. "We're talking about a couple thousand jobs," Markell said, reported USA Today. "The competitive landscape for this industry has changed dramatically.”

To ensure legality and compliance with federal law, geolocation software will be used to ensure gamblers are within the state’s borders.

Nevada offers online poker play and many states offer online lottery sales, but Delaware is the first to persue full-service gambling. The Department of Finance estimates that the new act will generate $7.75 million in revenue for the state in fiscal 2013 when the casinos launch.

In 2006, Congress banned Internet gambling, but several lawmakers have tried to reverse the law. Some believe online gaming could bring much-needed revenue to the government.