No Further Hearings Set for Federal Online Poker Legislation

Staffers for Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton have confirmed that no hearings are set as of yet for a piece of legislation that look to legalize online poker at the federal level. 

"My bill is needed now more than ever. It creates one federal standard that protects the integrity of the game and the financial interests of players -- while protecting American consumers from nefarious and predatory overseas gambling operations," Barton told the Gannett News Service’s Ellie Harvey Tuesday. 

His bill is HR 2366—the Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2011 – with a stated goal of strengthening prohibition passed in 2006 while at the same time exempting online poker.  Passage of the bill faces an uphill battle from various interest groups who fear they will be adversely impacted should such legislation become law, primarily the Indian casinos. 

"Internet poker isn't a crime, it is a game of skill and it shouldn't be outlawed," said Barton, however, his bill in its current incarnation seeks to outlaw foreign Web gambling sites. 

Barton says HR 2366 gives states power to decide whether or not to allow Internet poker within their borders and a share of any revenue generated.  But a number of states are already moving forward to legalize Internet poker and other forms of Web gambling.  Both Nevada and Delaware have already passed laws allowing their citizens to place bets online within their respective state borders.  Delaware has already suggested it may look into forming compacts with other states such as West Virginia and Rhode Island. 

"Time is not working in our favor,” staff members for Barton’s office told the Gannett paper, noting that the last House hearings were held in October and November in 2011.

"If Congress doesn't act soon we could end up with fractured rules and regulations that vary state to state, leaving more opportunity for fraud and fewer safeguards for players," Barton said.

Barton insists there is support on both sides of the aisle.

"I am confident this issue will be voted on by the House and Senate in this session," he said.

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher