Gambling Bill Updates

The House of Representatives are full of measures this cycle to end or exempt or repeal the UIGEA. First was Representative Barney Frank and the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA), bill number HR 2046; Sherry Buckly representative of Nevada proposed a one-year study of the feasibility of technology to regulate online gambling in the U.S., and the effects would have on the U.S. market; Then Robert Wexler with bill HR 2610, The Skill Game Protection Act which covers poker, mahjongg, bridge, and chess, exempting them from both the 1961 Wire Act and the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA); Mere hours after the announcement of the Skill Game Protection Act, came Jim McDermott's introductions of the Internet Gambling Regulation and Taxation Enforcement Act (IGRTEA)

To briefly clarify the four most functional bills addressing the UIGEA:

HR 2046 introduced by Barney Frank, D-MA
Intended to license and regulate online gambling operations; Currently in the House Energy and Commerce Committee

HR 2607 introduced by James McDermit D-WA
Intended to regulate and tax online gambling; designed to compliment HR 2046; Currently in the House Ways and Means committee

HR 2140 introduced by Sheri Buckley D-NV
Proposed to do a survey on how technology can be used to regulate online gambling and the impact it will have on the U.S. economy; Currently referred to the subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security

HR 2610 introduced by Robert Wexler D-FL
To exempt skilled games from the application of the UIGEA and the Wire Act (skill games by example include poker, chess, mahjong, bridge, and a limited number of others); Currently in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Although any one of these bills could have a significant impact on the application or status of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), they are all still in committee. Easily 75 to 80% of all bills do not make it out of committee. Several of the bills however have had movement from one committee to another giving hope that things will move forward, as many representatives are having the opportunity to look at the bills.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 made it illegal for financial companies, like your bank or credit card company, to process funds going to an online gambling casino or poker room. Since that time, many people have sought to voice discontent on the invasion of privacy this act created. In the movement several lawsuits have been pressured through the courts, most against the state level laws that are similar to the UIGEA. Also from the movement that has promoted the Representatives mentioned above to move against the UIGEA with legislation, has also lead to the creation of the Poker Players Alliance. This group is starting to encourage change and impact the poker world by education and active display of support for the Representatives that are working for the people with regard to gambling rights, and personal past times.

Time will tell us how this will work for online gambling, but at least there is positive movement on the government level, and when things stall, the PPA is ready to help voice the opinions of their members and get the work moving again.