With a vote of 2-2, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee in Florida votes down online poker in the The Sunshine State and so goes $10.5 million in taxable revenue a year.

Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Republican rep from Miami "What we're trying to do here is create Florida intrastate poker network and do it with Florida companies with regulations here, protecting from identify theft and protecting the consumer, and having revenue go to the state," he explained to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Bill SB812 was opposed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the Poker Players Alliance.
If the bill had went through it would ban competition from offshore poker sites.



Definition of intra-state
First, what does “intra-state” poker mean? Today, when you play online poker you compete with other individuals from across the United States and the world. Essentially you are part of a multi-million person global network of poker players. Under the “intra-state” model being pushed in Florida, your play would be limited to only other Florida residents. Ultimately, this means fewer players, fewer games, fewer stakes/limits and less opportunity for you to play poker how you want, when you want.
So not all votes against online poker are a bad thing. State controlled monopolies would be against the freedoms all Americans fight for and want. Also, intra-state poker would limit the social aspect that we get to enjoy here.