Spencer Bachus Supports Legalized Online Poker: Welcome to the Twilight Zone

Submitted by C Costigan on

Written by :

C Costigan

Published on :

The corroboration of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Conservative Representative Joe Barton of Texas might have been enough to have a few people in the poker community scratching their heads.  Both men have gone at it on certain issues.  But when it comes to legalizing Internet poker in the States, the two see eye to eye.  Both support legislation and are looking to make the push this summer. 

What really had the poker community doing an about-face was a statement issued by long time opponent of legalized online gambling, Spencer Bachus.

Note that the Republican Congressman from Alabama has alleged in the past that Web gambling could result in childhood addiction.  Some have said he was doing cartwheels down K Street in Washington, D.C. when federal agents seized the domain names of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker on April 15.

Then, this week, he issues this statement:

“I’m not opposed” to considering Barton’s proposal, Bachus told the Sun last week. “But if there’s gambling, it has to be regulated.”

We know what you're thinking folks, Gambling911.com is making stuff up again.  Well, Bachus said this to the Las Vegas Sun.

One member of the popular poker forum TwoPlusTwo.com had this to say in response to the Bachus quote: 

Holy ******* ****. Did I just wake up in a parallel universe?

He wasn’t the only one.  A bunch of fellow posters quickly chimed in. 

“I had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually awake. This is a great article and one that should give optimism to everyone. With the statements coming from the Kyl camp earlier this year and now Bachus saying this, our chances have never looked better.”

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher

Related Content

Kentucky $167M Powerball Winner Arrested Again for Allegedly Strangling Woman

Kentucky $167M Powerball Winner Arrested Again for Allegedly Strangling Woman

James Farthing, a former convict, had already plead guilty of assaulting a police officer while celebrating his big win during a trip to Florida. Now he's been charged with strangulation and assault – both for domestic violence.
Top Gambling News Stories for Tuesday July 28, 2026

Top Gambling News Stories for Tuesday July 28, 2026

Andrea Pirlo is out of contention for the Italy job amid political concerns over a sponsorship deal with Russian betting firm Fonbet. Plus a new audio sheds light on Ohtani ex-interpreter's gambling scandal.
Man Convicted for Gunpoint Robbery, Followed Two Men Home From Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood Florida

Man Convicted for Gunpoint Robbery, Followed Two Men Home From Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood Florida

Kwame Antawan Moorer was found guilty on two counts of robbery with a firearm. Moorer was accused of robbing two men at gunpoint in the summer of 2022 after he followed them from the casino floor to the parking garage and back home to their Boca Raton condominium.
Goalscorer Betting Markets - New York City FC vs. Toronto FC: Nicolas Fernandez, Benie Traore, Hannes Wolf

Goalscorer Betting Markets - New York City FC vs. Toronto FC: Nicolas Fernandez, Benie Traore, Hannes Wolf

Goalscorer betting markets for New York City FC vs. Toronto FC have Nicolas Fernandez paying out $320 for every $100 bet to score the first goal and is priced at -110 to score an anytime goal here.