HR. 2267 passes vote – good news for US online poker
Thursday, 29 July 2010
It’s a little early to start pouring out onto the streets and dancing for joy but the Poker Players’ Alliance and poker players everywhere have struck the first blow against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act as the House Financial Services Committee voted in favour of online poker 41-22-1.
"The fact is, online poker is not going away. Congress has a choice ? it can license and regulate it to provide government oversight and consumer protections, or our lawmakers can stick their heads in the sand, ignore it, and leave consumers to play on non-U.S. regulated websites in all 50 states," said former Senator Alfonse DíAmato, chairman of the Poker Players’ Alliance. "I'm glad the Financial Services Committee today overwhelmingly chose to act and protect Americans as well as preserve the fundamental freedoms of adults and the Internet."
The bill received much support from Democrats and even some from Republicans as Barney Frank argued his points – the right for freedom and for American citizens to do what they want in their own homes. Not everyone was happy though. Eejits such as Spencer Bachus compared online poker to crack cocaine.
Barney Frank’s bill would regulate and tax online poker in the US and require the Treasury to frequently monitor the sites.
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