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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.
Kyl was the co-author of prohibition that currently makes it illegal to operate an online poker site from the US. In late December the US Justice Department had reversed its stance on poker, confirming in an issued statement it would no longer apply The Wire act to card games, only sports wagering.
Kyl’s Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) only exempts horse racing and state lotteries from the law.
"Quite possibly something will be done. As a result of that, there is probably a need to tighten up the law to address all forms of Internet gambling and in that context things like Internet poker, so I am involved in it because I am the author of the original legislation," Kyl said. He added that "Reid has supporters in Nevada" who want to deal with online poker. "And obviously the two of us therefore are talking."
On Thursday, Gambling911.com reported that one lobbyist working closely with Reid claimed the Senate Leader was attempting to attach legislation to an upcoming Payroll Tax Extension bill that has a decent chance of passing as early as the next few weeks.
- Patrick Flanagan, Gambling911.com
