Nevada governor backs federal plans as Gaming Edge and H2 sign deal

Nevada state sealIntrastate online poker in Nevada has been dealt a blow. This after Governor Brian Sandoval announced yesterday that he’s in favor of online poker legislation at a Federal level rather than state.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, in an interview on “Nevada Newsmakers,” Sandoval stated that he supported a bill at Federal level that would allow Internet poker and that the home to Las Vegas should be the first state to take advantage.

He added, “I don’t want the state to be in contravention of the federal law,” while explaining that he believes the future of the casino industry lies with Internet gambling.”

Sandoval also later said, “If, indeed, the federal government legalizes online poker, the state of Nevada should be the one that sets up regulatory structure and the investigatory structure for those who seek licensing in that area.”

Obviously, anything that gets the federal government involved can only be good for the gambling industry and it’s hoped that some kind of meaningful legislation can be introduced. It does, however, have to be something that will work. There will be no mileage in simply pushing through a bill that isn’t well thought out and structured.

In other news, Gaming Edge Associates have agreed a deal with H2 Gambling Capital. According to eGaming Review, the agreement will see the companies offer combined consulting services, market and competitor intelligence products to the gambling industry

Anton Bell, partner at Gaming Edge Associates said: “Our strategic and operational expertise working inside leading global operators is truly complemented by H2’s macro level understanding of international markets.”

Gaming Edge, founded by two former Betfair executives, provides a wide range of consultancy services to the industry whereas H2 has established itself as the industry standard in the supply of data and intelligence.

Founder of H2, Simon Holliday, said, “We share values and ambitions with GEA. Our partnership seeks to fulfil the industry’s need for impartial, informed expertise supporting the data-driven decisions expected of today’s senior management teams.”