Politics
Online Gambling Foe Spencer Bachus Subject of Insider-Trading Probe
One of the online gambling industry’s most outspoken opponents, Republican Spencer Bachus of Alabama, is being investigated as part of an insider-trading probe.
From Market Watch:
Jon Kyl on Legal Internet Poker in US: ‘Quite Possibly Something Will be Done’
In an interview with the National Journal conducted recently, Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl revealed that he and Senate Majority Leader Democrat Harry Reid are in discussions on how to get Internet poker legalized in the US.
Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice Opinion on Internet Gambling Recap
An Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice Opinion on Internet Gambling was held Thursday afternoon.
When it comes to legalized online poker in the US, Chairman Akara said “Tribal casinos concerns must be considered (before legalizing).”
Rick Santorum Against Online Gambling: ‘Dangerous for Our Country’ (Video)
Last week when it was learned the US Republican Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum came out against legalized online gambling, this appeared to be a nonissue. After all, candidate Mitt Romney already had the nomination “in the bag” with Newt Gingrich “that other guy” who “might be standing in the way with his Southern states stronghold”.
Lobbyist Claims Harry Reid Poised to Attach Online Poker Bill to Upcoming Payroll Tax Extension
An article discussing plans to legalize online poker and the potential for decreased funding for lottery scholarships makes reference to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s plans to attach a measure to the upcoming Unemployment payroll tax bill later this month.
It is widely believed that the Congress is working hard to get something passed prior to the introduction of legislation at the state level.
The Daily Helmsman:
Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice Opinion on Internet Gambling Live Webcast
Those wishing to follow today’s Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice Opinion on Internet Gambling will be able to do so at 2:15 pm EST via the Web here. *Note: The hearing has commenced as of 2:47 pm EST. This hearing is taking place February 9 2012.
Odds to Win Minnesota Caucus, Colorado Caucus
The latest odds to win Tuesday’s Minnesota Caucus as well as the Colorado Caucus had Mitt Romney with a 57 percent chance followed by Rick Santorum at 39 percent in Minnesota and Romney at close to 100 percent winning in Colorado.
If there is any type of competition for this Republican race for the US Presidency, it will occur in Minnesota where Santorum is actually leading in one poll.
Gingrich was coming in under 3 percent to win Minnesota.
Legalized Internet Poker in Washington D.C. Unlikely Any Time Soon
After becoming the first jurisdiction in the United States to legalize Internet poker, Washington, D.C. is looking less likely to allow the activity for its half million residents any time soon.
The District of Columbia’s move to legalize Internet poker was met with accusations of cronyism with contentious hearings taking place this past week.
From The Washington Times:
US State by State Internet Poker News: A Breakdown of Each
ADI News this weekend featured a pretty comprehensive look at the potential for Internet poker on a state-by-state basis.
Jon Kyl on Internet Poker Regulation: ‘Quite Possibly Something Will be Done’
Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl was the co-author of legislation that would ultimately become the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and now he’s apparently looking for ways to overturn the law, or at least make it more favorable towards Internet poker websites.
New Jersey Politicians Meet With Gov Chris Christie to Discuss Internet Gambling
New Jersey politicians, including State Senator Raymond Lesniak, were taking part in closed door meetings with Governor Chris Christie to discuss a measure that would legalize online poker.
The objective, Gambling911.com has learned exclusively, is to get something passed through the state House and Senate without the need for a voter referendum.
Hearing On Internet Poker With Justice Department Officials Likely
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Manufacturing Chairwoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) advised Tuesday that she is considering holding another hearing on legalized Internet poker that would feature experts from the US Justice Department.
PaddyPower Regrets Paying Out on Early Romney Bets
Following Newt Gingrich’s big South Carolina primary win this past Saturday, the Mitt Romney camp was not the only bunch banging their respective heads against the wall.
The bookmakers at PaddyPower.com shed some tears as well.
That’s because PaddyPower.com, an Irish bookmaker that accepts wagers from all over the world except for the United States, paid out Mitt Romney wagers after his big New Hampshire primary win.
New Jersey Congressmen Introduce Sports Betting Bill
New Jersey Congressman Republican Rep. Frank LoBiondo introduced legislation that would bring legalized sports betting to all states that want it, not just the Garden State.
New Jersey residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of a referendum that would legalize sports wagering in the state. Governor Chris Christie signed the legislation that passed through both the House and state senate last week. New Jersey legislators must now overturn a federal law that makes it illegal to bet on sports in all but four states.
Connecticut Tribes Want Online Poker
Connecticut’s two Tribal casinos are watching carefully for any developments concerning the Department of Justice change of stance as it applies to online poker. The DOJ last month announced that The Wire Act will no longer apply to poker. The decision allows individual states to move forward with their own regulation of the industry.
Senate Hearing on the U.S. DOJ Opinion on Internet Poker to be Held Feb 9
Yet another hearing will take place as it involves legalizing online poker and potentially other forms of Internet gambling.
A Senate hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice opinion on Internet poker will be held February 9. Gambling911.com will provide a link to the live hearing as that date nears.
Another $5 Million Check From Sheldon Adelson to Pro-Newt Gingrich Pact
Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson was reportedly sending yet another $5 million check to a pro-Newt Gingrich pact following the former House Speaker’s big South Carolina primary win.
From the New York Times:
The Ron Paul Online Gambling ‘Gaffe’ Good for Industry (Video)
During a post-South Carolina primary speech, Texas Congressman and US GOP Presidential candidate made mention of how US citizens had stood together, forcing politicians to essentially back off unfavorable policy as it relates to online gambling. The speech was widely broadcast on all three major cable networks (scroll down to watch the video of his speech below).
Ron Paul South Carolina Speech Mentions Online Gambling
While it appeared likely GOP Presidential hopeful Ron Paul was getting online gambling legislation confused with the Stop Internet Piracy Act (SOPA), it was interesting to see the Texas Congressman mention online gambling and how the US people essentially got the issue off the docket.
Paul was a co-sponsor of a bill to legalize Internet gambling in the US along with Democrat Barney Frank.
Huffington Post: Where the GOP Candidates Stand On Gambling
The Huffington Post’s Ron Dicker published a piece this weekend on the four remaining US GOP candidates and their stance as it relates to gambling.
Gambling911.com founder Chris Costigan was quoted in the piece as it relates to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
"I can't see Romney supporting gambling. I just can't see it," said Costigan.
Social Security Payroll Tax Extension Bill Could Carry Online Poker Measure
Harry Reid this past week confirmed he is in talks with Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona to draft legislation that would essentially override the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and make online poker legal at the federal level. Kyl was the architect of UIGEA, which requires banks to halt transactions related to Internet gambling, with some exceptions. Financial institutions have, however, chosen to ignore those exceptions, opting instead to block nearly all gambling-related transactions.
Poker News: Zynga Shares Up 6.1 Percent on News of ‘Real Money’ Play: Reid i-Poker Insertion Plan
The world’s largest online poker room, Zynga, witnessed a 6.1 percent surge in its share price on Friday following news it was in talks with another party to provide a “real money play” platform. Zynga, which also produces popular games like Farmville, is currently free to play on Facebook.
Zynga already claims to have some 30 million monthly users.
A statement released by the company on Friday read:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Postpones Vote on Antipiracy Bill
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has delayed vote on a controversial antipiracy bill originally set for consideration this coming Tuesday.
A massive protest by hundreds of Internet websites including Wikipedia, Reddit.com and Google resulted in a number of the bill’s co-sponsors bailing on Wednesday.
Reid did not offer an explanation for the delay.
The Senate Majority Leader said he still hopes a compromise can be reached "in the coming weeks."
Joe Biden in San Fran: “Giants on Their Way to Super Bowl” (Video)
Appearing in San Francisco Wednesday before a crowd of crazed San Francisco 49ers fans readying for their team to take on the New York Giants this upcoming weekend, US Vice President Joe Biden boldly proclaimed: “The Giants are heading to the Super Bowl”.
Can you say “Major League Gaffe”.
Biden was already thinking baseball apparently. The Giants are San Fran’s baseball team.
He was then showered with boos and quickly corrected himself.
The “49ers on their way” to the Big Game, Biden said.
Newt Gingrich Ex ‘Open Marriage’ Claims, Rick Perry Out and the Latest South Carolina Primary Odds
Appearing on ABC’s ‘Nightline’, GOP US Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich’s ex wife claimed the candidate desired an “open marriage”. The network released excerpts from the previously recorded show scheduled for airing Thursday night at 11:30 pm EST.
Marianne Gingrich said her ex conducted his affair with current wife Callista "in my bedroom in our apartment in Washington."
"He always called me at night and always ended with `I love you,' " she said. "Well, she was listening."
Poker News: DOJ Unlikely to Change Recent Stance on Internet Poker: ACR 1-3 Day Payouts
Here is a recap of today’s poker news for January 19, 2012 (AM/Early Afternoon Edition) including I. Nelson Rose’s insistence that the Department of Justice will remain firm with its latest stance on Internet poker and how states should have little concern jumping into the fray.
Harry Reid: ‘We Cannot Have a Series of Laws Around the Country Related to Gambling’
Following an appearance on NBC’s “Meet The Press” this past Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was confronted by Tony Batt of GamblingCompliance.com. Reid told Batt that a recent change in stance by the US Department of Justice should help push to get federal legislation through that legalizes online poker.
“It’ll give us an incentive to get something done,” Reid told Batt as he departed the studios.
Poker News: Phil Galfond Wins $400K in Less Than 7 Days, Maine Looks at Internet Poker
Here is a recap of today’s poker news for January 18, 2012 evening edition including Phil Galfond’s big week and Maine becoming the latest state to explore legalizing online poker.
Iowa Multi-State Online Poker: Could Combine Players With Nevada, Washington DC
Iowa lawmakers were discussing the possibility of legalizing online poker as part of a multi-state platform that would tap into the populations of other states considering the option such as Nevada and the District of Columbia.
Senate Leader Harry Reid Back Working With Jon Kyl on Internet Poker Bill
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada on Sunday said December 23’s legal opinion by the Department of Justice will accelerate efforts in Congress to pass a bill authorizing federal regulation of Internet poker, according to subscription-based GamblingCompliance.com.
Reid said he is working with Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl and that they “are making progress”.
