You've all heard of the recent legislations on online poker in America, but how about Europe? Whilst Italy was one of those countries who temporarily eliminated poker from society, it appears as though certain state representatives are trying to achieve the same in Germany.
According to various sources, several figureheads discussed the potential to expand the ban, which currently exists in three German states, thereby making it widespread throughout Germany. However, although German officials are pushing for such legislation, they will no doubt encounter tough opposition, one of whom will be the EU which has certain trade policies which should obstruct the proposed ban.
It is the view of this reporter that the German governement will find a method of effectively regulating online poker and ultimately extract a substantial income from what is becoming an increasingly popular game, much in the same way Spain propose to do as they plan to follow in the footsteps of close neighbours, Italy.
Either way, it is clear to me that the US ban has undoubtedly triggered other countries into reassessing their own regulation, or lack of, of the online poker industry. Let's just hope that each individual nation sees the potential for poker as a recreational and professional activity, whether taxed or not, and treats it as a game of long-term skill rather than a mere lottery-esque gamble.
More reports as we receive them.