October 24 - This week will see the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing
and Trade in the US House of Representatives hold a special hearing that will
examine the legalization and regulation of online gambling, including online
poker, in the United States.
Texas representative, Joe Barton, a member of the subcommittee and mastermind
behind the proposed Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection and
Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2011 (HR 2366) applauded the US online poker
hearing and said that it was the first step in ensuring the introduction of
suitable legislation in the United States.
"I am pleased that Chairman Mary Bono-Mack is holding a hearing on the
important issue of internet gaming," he said. "It's a first step to showing why
the current law is a lose/lose for everyone - the public, the taxpayer, the
banking industry, and the people who want to play poker openly and honestly on
the internet."
Barton added that he looked forward to an open exchange of ideas.
The hearing is set to examine the issue of online gambling legislation as a
whole, and will not only focus on internet poker.
Entitled "Internet Gaming: Is there a Safe Bet?", the hearing is seen as a
significant first step to kick start the online poker debate in the US after a
quiet few months brought on by the summer vacations.
Online Poker Bill has an Uphill Battle
There are no assurances that even if Barton's HR 2366 moves out of the
subcommittee that it will advance any further.
The House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor of Virginia could be the bill's
biggest hurdle when it reaches a House of Representatives vote, despite the fact
that it has bipartisan support.
Republicans who support HR 2366 include John Campbell (California) and Peter
King of New York, while Democrats include Nevada's Shelly Berkley, Tennessee's
Steve Cohen and Mike Honda and Linda Sanchez, both of California.
Top names in the industry will be on hand to offer their support for Barton's
proposed bill during the hearing on Tuesday.
Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the Poker Player Alliance, will be acting as a
witness after being invited to do so, and PPA members have been asked to send in
their support for the bill.
"Given the committee's interest in player protections, I think it is
appropriate that someone from the PPA testifies," said the group's executive
director, John Pappas. "It's certainly a big moment for the organization and
we're very excited that D'Amato has been invited."
Related Poker Articles And News Items:
> Threatening UK Online Poker Player Jailed
> Cardroom International Lawsuits Looms Over Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars
> Full Tilt Poker Claims to Have Found a Buyer
> PPA Disappointed over Full Tilt Poker Ponzi Scheme Charges
|
