Online Poker to Return to the US?
3rd October, 2008
Senator Robert Menendez, representing New Jersey, has introduced legislation which could legalize online gambling in the U.S. In 2006 online gambling was outlawed in the U.S the the anger of online casino, poker and betting fans. Many criticized the move, claiming the legislation would result in a increased number of unregulated uncontrollable sites. These would become a danger to players who will be transferring money illegally online.
However since the ban the push for reform has gathered strength and is more determined to have the ruling reversed. The Internet Skill Game Licensing and Control Act of 2008, also known as Senate 3616, would allow a frame work for online gambling to take place.
Supported by the Poker players alliance, the bill should allow for online poker to be played.
“This is really a bill that poker players could love,” said John Pappas, Executive Director for the Poker Players Alliance.
“It’s written to directly help the online poker playing community to establish licensed and regulated poker in the US. We believe that it is a great marker for the next Congress and the new administration.”
“One of the things that Senator Menendez really gravitated to is the fact that, under the current environment, consumers aren’t getting the protection that the deserve and he wanted to introduce a bill that would provide a regulatory framework that protected US consumers from fraud and abuse and also to ensure that children don’t get access to the websites and to protect problem gamblers as well,' said Pappas.
By Jamie
