A Senate panel deadlocked on the live Internet poker bill Friday and did not recommend a vote either way.

The full Senate will vote on the bill next week.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was split between three who said it's better to invite the Internet poker industry into the state so it can be regulated and three who argued the state shouldn't have anything to do with such operations.

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House Bill 1509 will go to the floor without recommendation, after motions to give it a do-pass recommendation or a do-not-pass recommendation both failed on tie votes.

"Frankly, I have a concern (about) the tar baby we might be attaching ourselves to," argued Sen. Tom Trenbeath. The Cavalier Republican predicts the state will be sued by the U.S. Justice Department, which has warned Internet poker violates federal gambling prohibitions.

But Sen. Connie Triplett, D-Grand Forks, and Sen. John Syverson, R-Fargo, said the state accomplishes nothing by voting it down.

"We're not doing anything to stop it (by defeating the bill)," said Triplett. "What we're doing is just turning a blind eye to it."

Supporters say the global Internet poker industry is looking for a state where it can settle down and be regulated, which will create more trust among players. A London company's executive testified to the committee last week that his operation would move here. By welcoming the industry, the state would gain licensing fees, taxes and add high-tech jobs, backers of the idea argue.

The bill is partnered with a constitutional measure that North Dakotans would vote on if House Concurrent Resolution 3035 and House Bill 1509 both pass the Legislature. The House has already passed both; the Senate has yet to vote.

Sen. Jack Traynor, R-Devils Lake, agrees with bill sponsor Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, that the Justice Department's threatening letter doesn't carry much weight. Traynor, one of three lawyers on the committee, said he is more persuaded by a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that refutes the Justice Department position.

"I think it's judicious for us to let the people decide. Then all the arguments will be out in the open," Traynor said. "This industry cries out for regulation and we can (create) the mechanism to do it. If we pass this bill and pass the constitutional amendment, the state will benefit."

Source: Janell Cole, The Forum