Federal bill on online gambling introduced

[The Buzz]

A bill that would establish federal licensing and regulation of online gambling was introduced Thursday. The bill is co-authored by Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif., and House Financial Services Ranking Member Barney Frank, D-Mass.

The Poker Players Alliance said the bill is a no-brainer for the United States.

From the GPWA:

"Given that millions of Americans currently play online poker, states across the country are recognizing the value in licensing and regulating the game and many are introducing their own laws ... while collecting millions in tax revenue," said Poker Player Alliance Chairman and former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y.

[best.hands]

It's a good thing they're now coming to realize the significance of regulating online gambling and throwing their blindness away. But, quoted below should be highly observed.

Key provisions of the federal bill introduced Thursday include thorough vetting of potential licensees and creation of a list of illegal operators and mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity.

[grem]

it sounds like monopoly

[arkyt]

It's a good thing they're now coming to realize the significance of regulating online gambling

From my point of view its all about which lobbying groups are filling those who vote on these bills pockets with the most money! Once those who want it regulated (for their own personal gain of course) decide to throw more money at the representatives than do those who dont want it regulated (for their own personal gains of course) then the bills will get passed! Until then they are doing nothing but wasting tax payer dollars going through the motions - to satisfy those filling their pockets - of course!

[Casinorep]

Somehow I have a feeling that after this is set in motion, slowly the online operators who don't have brick and mortar presense will gradually fall to the sides.

[universal4]

Damn well said Arkyt....

Sadly, I agree with every single word....only to add....

Sadly this means they will totally and completely screw up any regulation that does end up passing.

Don't forget about all the millions that will be spent performing "studies" etc, all going to companies run by individuals with lobbyists in their pockets...and in some cases it will likely be discovered later that the representatives themselves will have ties to some of these companies...

Rick
Universal4

[rak]

There are always movements in the direction of lobbyists.

I think that a few of the current online network and websites will be allowed to operate online in the US. Unless it is so blatant there their gaming properties (the lobbyists) are the only options, then this bill is moot.

Is there a way to find out lobbyists for a particular representative? I'd suspect Las Vegas casinos and Indian Gaming Reserves?

I'd say these groups would also be looking at getting their online properties into kiosks and available at their other entertainment properties.. bars, pubs and clubs etc

[cassy]

This is somehow for a good purpose. As they want to protect customers for those rouge businesses. However, regulating the business can give a negative effect to the industry.

[davenewgates]

I will not say this is better, unless they have signed it and implement the bill. It's all because we have encountered many of this that didn't push through.