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.

Mack told reporters Tuesday the most likely next step is a hearing featuring the DOJ and other law enforcement officials during a preview of the subpanel's 2012 agenda.

Last month, the DOJ reversed its stance on Internet poker, noting that The Wire Act would only be applied to sports betting.  As such, states have essentially translated this policy shift to mean they can begin offering either intrastate or multi-state online poker for real cash.

Hawaii on Wednesday became the latest state said to be considering legalizing online poker.  Others include New Jersey, Iowa, Connecticut, Ohio, California and Maine.  Online casino games could also be offered by individual states based on interpretation of the DOJ’s new policy shift.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com