Robert Wexler Internet Poker Bill Offers Hope

As everyone is well aware, Congressman Robert Wexler recently made quite a splash at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.  He made an appearance with former (R-NY) Senator Alphonse D’Amato, and Poker Player Alliance President Michael Bolcerek and received a standing ovation for his proposed legislation – H.R. 2610 – Skill Game Protection Act.  Betting77.com contacted Congressman Wexler’s Washington, D.C. office and was given an inside look at this highly anticipated legislation that would effectively repeal the prohibition put into place by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed into law in January 2007.

This bill, introduced in June, 2007, specifically mentions Mah-Jong, backgammon, and poker over the internet.  Each of these games does contain an element of chance, it is recognized that a person’s skill at these activities ultimately governs their level of success.  This bill does NOT apply to competitions where an individual is not participating in the event (i.e. sporting events).  The bill also disallows betting on another competitor in an event in which an individual is participating.  Nevertheless, this bill is a huge step in the right direction. 

H.R. 2610 makes specifically mentions that the federal government must take steps to restrict underage access and those exhibiting compulsive behavior.  The operators are saddled with keeping their noses clean.  They must have a system in place to protect them from terrorist money laundering activities and they must remit their taxes to the proper authorities (of course).

This bill is in the first stages of the legislative process and will more than likely undergo significant changes as it passes through the various committees.  After its introduction in June, it was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  After that, it is slated to be reviewed by the House Financial Services and House Judiciary Committees.  Unfortunately, most bills do not make it out of Committee. 

However, the Skill Game Protection Act is not the only bill floating around Congress these days.  There are two other bills in play right now, H.R. 2046, introduced by Barney Frank, and cosponsored by Presidential Candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) and 34 others and H.R. 2607, sponsored by Rep. Jim McDermott.  Everyone is familiar with Congressmen Wexler’s and Frank’s legislation; however, Rep. Jim McDermott’s legislation is just as promising. 

H.R. 2607 tackles internet gaming regulation from a different angle.  It seeks to regulate internet gambling by changing the I.R.S. regulations.  Titled, “Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act”, H.R. 2607 seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code  to establish licensing requirements and fees for Internet gambling operators.  Operators would be required to pay a 2% fee (of all bets and wagers) every 30 days to the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. 

Internet gambling licenses would be granted to all applicants who meet a certain set of criteria and who are deemed generally fit to engage in the business of Internet Gambling.  Operators will be required to adopt procedures to ensure the collection and submission of all taxes and license fees relating to Internet gambling.

Whatever the outcome of these bills, one thing is obvious:  the tide seems to be turning.  Just 7 months ago, legislation effectively banning online gambling was passed.  Since then,  three bills have been introduced that repeal, modify and most importantly, legalize online gambling.  A popular Presidential candidate, Ron Paul, stands steadfastly behind H.R. 2046.  Congressman Wexler’s Skill Game Protection Act has received overwhelming attention and support from the poker industry.  H.R. 2607 seeks to change the Internal Revenue Code (which may become irrelevant if Dr. Paul is elected president) to license and tax internet gambling in America. 

While it is still a longshot for any of these bills to be passed into law, it looks like this country is finally moving in the right direction.  Sometime in the not-so-distant future, all those U.S. offshore operators may finally be able to come home.

In order for these bills to get the attention they deserve, it is up to you, the readers to let your Congressman know that you support these bills.  Without your support, these bills won’t make it very far, and the congressmen who stuck their necks out to support freedom in America may once again push this issue to the back burner.