The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) has released model internet gaming legislation for jurisdictions in the United States.
The model legislation, which is open to public comment, aims to provide a framework for regulated online gaming in the United States.
The NCLGS says that regulated iGaming is in the best interests of states and warns that illegal online wagering operating throughout the United States poses a critical threat to the safety and welfare of citizens.
The model legislation advises states to ensure that regulated iGaming complements any existing land-based operations and proposes an iGaming tax rate in the range of 15-25 per cent, in order to maximize revenue while allowing for competitiveness with other gaming jurisdictions.
It allows states to limit internet gaming operations to the licensed casino, racino, and sports betting operators in the state and recommends that regulatory authorities offer an abbreviated application process for holders of a valid sports wagering operator license.
Each state would set its own limit for the number of skins that a licensee may operate, and iGaming suppliers would also be subject to licensure.
The model legislation also sets out responsible gambling best practices and recommends that online sweepstakes be prohibited.