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HR 6663 is an attempt to clarify the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act by attempting to clarify the vague language of the UIGEA. Its sole purpose appears to take aim at the sports betting sector.
Congressman Pete Sessions, a Republican from Texas, introduced HR 6663 this past week without much fanfare.
"No provision of this Act, or any amendment made by this Act, shall be construed as clarifying or implying that Internet bets or wagers, other than sports bets or wagers, which were accepted subsequent to October 13, 2006, are in violation of Federal law."
Needless-to-say, the sports betting community will not be supporting HR 6663 any time soon, nor will the Poker Players Alliance according to a report filed by PocketFives.com
PPA Chairman Alfonse D'Amato commented in a press release, "While we agree with several findings in the bill that correctly identify the illegality of sports wagering, the PPA remains concerned with the implication H.R. 6663 asserts in that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has made Internet poker an unlawful activity that needs special protection from prosecution." Executive Director John Pappas characterized the PPA's stance as "not explicitly endorsing" HR 6663.
The sports betting community - with its base primarily in Costa Rica - has been fighting in the courts - not in Congress - through their overwhelming (and some would say quiet) support of iMEGA.org (see website here) iMEGA is looking to have the UIGEA deemed "unconstitutional" and is following a similar game plan to that of the porno industry, which has successfully taken on Government "intrusion" in recent years.
Joe Brennan, Jr., founder of iMEGA.org, was not immediately available for comment at press time late Sunday night.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
