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A bill to prohibit online gambling in the United States has resurfaced in Congress this week. The legislation, reintroduced by Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) is heavily backed by GOP megadonor and casino mogul Sheldon Adelson.
In response, the Poker Players Alliance issued the following statement early Wednesday afternoon.
“Every Congress to consider Internet gaming legislation has preserved the right of states to protect its citizens through a system that is accountable to regulators and the government,” said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. “Attempting to re-write history through a piece of legislation that prohibits states from enacting these safeguards represents the worst kind of crony capitalism that favors a mega political campaign donor over what’s in the best interest of the states and their consumers.”
Chaffetz believes decisions to legalize online gambling should be made by Congress, not by a group of lawyers. The Utah Congressman was referring to a Department of Justice opinion made public in December 2011 that held the Wire Act of 1961 only pertains to sports wagering.
“There are some people who would like to see online gaming, or a poker carve-out,” Chaffetz said. “My message to them is you think online gaming is good, introduce a bill and pass it.”
- C. Costigan
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