Debate Abounds About New US Internet Poker Bill
In the next parlay about illegal online poker in the U.S., a new bill comes before congress to “clarify” the much-loathed and unenforceably vague UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). Introduced by Republican Congressman Pete Sessions, HR 6663 may or may not benefit US online poker players. Unfortunately the jury is still out on that one (and arguing vociferously).
On the Pro-HR 6663 side, analysts assert that it:
• clarifies the law as applying solely to US-operated online sports books (the unspoken presumption being the online poker rooms are exempt from its restrictions);
• protects sites like Pacific Poker and PartyPoker and the US players they accepted (and still retain) before the UIGEA was instituted in October 2006.
On the Anti-HR 6663 side, analysts argue that the bill will never pass as the UIGEA was most definitely intended to control online casino-style gambling (including online poker) as well as sportsbetting. (Decrying that, unfortunately, “clarifying” and “redefining” are not the same thing).
Will the lack of support from the Poker Players Alliance help or hinder the passage of HR 6663? And what will the repercussions of either be on US internet poker players? Our representatives in Washington are still figuring that out.