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With news that a bill legalizing online poker could be about to move through Congress for vote during the so-called lame duck session, the powerful Poker Players Alliance has issued a statement.
Director of the PPA, John Pappas: “As news stories circulate about a potential bill that would license and regulate online poker, it is important to remember that the Poker Players Alliance has been actively pursuing such legislation for more than five years. If nothing else, this shows that lawmakers are acknowledging what PPA has been saying all along – that Americans want to play the great game of poker in any venue they choose and they deserve to be afforded the basic consumer protections that regulation can provide.”
It also demonstrates that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who once opposed legalized online poker, is anxious to show thanks to some of his biggest donors, the Las Vegas casinos.
Pappas added: “It is also important to note that this is an evolving process. Draft bills that have been circulated are already outdated and the legislation continues to be refined. As always, the PPA is actively working with lawmakers to ensure any legislation that is introduced protects the freedom of Americans to play poker online and provides a safe, regulated U.S. market in which to play. While no bill will give players 100 percent of what we want and deserve, I do believe the legislation will be a victory for the poker playing community over the long-term.”
The Associated Press learned this weekend that Reid aides had been making the rounds of Congress these last few days in an effort to garner the much needed votes.
HR 2267, legislation proposed by Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass), would amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet gambling activities by the Secretary of the Treasury, to provide for consumer protections on the Internet, to enforce the tax code, and for other purposes.
“The status quo is not tenable and legislation is needed to clarify and correct current laws and provide a regulated U.S. marketplace for players. Failing a federal legislative solution, the future of Internet poker remains unpredictable. However, a regulated market that offers competition, consumer protections and clarity will undoubtedly provide the greatest benefit for the players and long-term stability to the Internet poker experience.
“With the support of millions of Americans, and a growing bipartisan contingent of lawmakers, we are optimistic that Congress can get this done before the end of the year. We urge lawmakers to take action now and not let this important opportunity be missed.”
- Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
