Washington Times: Unlikely Reid will hold cards in 2011

[The Buzz]

The Washington Times yesterday published a comprehensive look at Harry Reid's attempts to pass online poker legislation last year in Congress. The piece also discusses chances legislation will move forward in 2011. Not surprisingly, there's not a lot of optimism.

And don't expect our "good friend" Spencer Bachus to back down from his online gambling stance.

From The Washington Times:

Even with the backing of such political high rollers as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the push to expand legal Internet gambling in the United States looks to face much longer odds in the more heavily Republican Congress.

Mr. Reid, Nevada Democrat, came up short last month during the congressional lame-duck session in his bid to allow U.S. casino companies to establish Internet poker sites and give them a cut of the multibillion-dollar offshore industry.

Mr. Reid is poised to try again this year, but his path may be blocked by Rep. Spencer Bachus, the Alabama Republican who has been named chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and other GOP lawmakers who appear steadfast about keeping online betting illegal in the U.S.

"This is a huge priority for Spencer," said a top House GOP staffer.

In fact, if Mr. Bachus addresses Internet gambling in the 112th Congress, such action would focus on examining the effectiveness of existing laws and making them tougher, the staffer said.

[JoeAdams]

Yeah right, Online gambling legislation seems to be in a more complicated situation for this year.

[Anthony]

Making the laws tougher?!?
That is not the type of story we want to start the new year with.

[CoopersPick]

yea way to be optimistic Washington stop being stubborn and just pass this legislation.

[Skinski]

I'll not be holding my breath this year waiting for change to the current laws.