Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009
August 6, 2009
Bill would bring Billions in tax revenue and protect consumers.
Robert Menendez, Democratic Senator from New Jersey, took time out from his work trying to help reform our healthcare system, to introduce senate bill S.1597. The goal of this bill is to legislate online poker in the U.S. with the goal of increasing tax revenue and provide protection from less reputable sites. The full text of the bill has been uploaded to scribd. The PPA is undoubtedly excited about this development.
Does this bill have a chance of passing?
A key question. As many know, Barney Frank of Massachusetts, introduced a separate bill to the House of Representatives back in May. That bill did not get the traction that we are all hoping Senator Menendez’s bill will achieve. Perhaps with a worsening recession, a few of the brighter minds on the capitol will open up to the revenue generation possibilities. After all, why shoud all of our rake go to Malta, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man. Can’t we allow Howard and Dolly to run their rooms in piece and pay taxes to Uncle Sam as a bonus to all Americans.
What does this mean for online poker in the U.S?
A bit unclear. Thinking back to the days before UIGEA, it seemed as though the unregulated poker world brought on a boom that filled card rooms with new players. What is unclear to me, is whether loosening restrictions on U.S. online poker will have any effect on brick and mortar poker. It seems the recession would outweigh any effects of a lifting of the UIGEA.
Poker-Mac.com has served the Apple Mac and OS X based poker enthusiast since March 2005.
Dear Sir,
Any regulation needs to include the banning of “manipulative dealing” which ALL Internet sites use to eliminate players from their tournaments more quickly. Obviously, the only time a provider makes money on tournaments is when they begin a new one. To improve the rate at which they do this, ALL providers make sure that the larger stacks win when they call a much better hand late in tournaments.
I assure you that this is not anyone’s imagination, but is indeed a fact. Such a practice, to my mind, is open and blatant cheating.
While I know that any bill being introduced is only concerned with putting U.S. hands on additional tax money, this would be a good time to insure that players get a fair deal when they choose to play on-line.
I support American regulation of Internet poker and my only hope is that some attempt will be made to protect those who support both on-line poker and the politicians who want control of it. Please remember that you work for us and that it is not the other way around.
Thanks,
Jackie Sinks