Rep. Barton Introduces US Federal Online Poker Bill

Rep. Barton Introduces US Federal Online Poker Bill

Friday, 26 June 2015

Just days after Senator Lindsey Graham resumed his mission to satisfy Sheldon Adelson by reintroducing RAWA to the Senate, Rep. Joe Barton has submitted his Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015 to the House of Representatives.

Calling it a move to preserve an "all-American" game, Barton's bill will push for federal regulation of the online poker industry in the US. Although previous attempts by Barton have fallen short, his latest bill should have two benefits: it will resume the push for regulation and alert people to the benefits of legislation, and it will serve as a push back to RAWA.

The main thrust of the bill will be to put in place a framework that would permit online poker to be played across the US, regardless of state legislation (as the current system allows). To supplement his argument, Barton has stated that H.R. 2888 will implement technology that prohibits underage play and provides protection for players of all persuasions.

Although he acknowledges that state legislation is a good option for some players, he believes that his Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015 will do a better job of protecting them from fraud.

"Players deserve to have a legal, on-shore system that makes sure everyone is playing in an honest, fair structure. The complex web of state and local regulations now being devised could leave players at risk. I believe H.R. 2888, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015, creates a federal standard and provides players proper protections. At the same time, it includes safeguards for children and problem gamblers," said Barton.

As with all things connected to legal online gaming in the US, the fate of Barton's bill is unclear. While some are optimistic, others have suggested it will act as yet another piece of fluff in an already clouded legal situation.

In reality, it's too early to tell how Barton's bill will fare in the House of Representatives; however, regardless of the immediate reaction, it's certainly another positive move from the pro-iGaming sector.



Tags: Joe Barton, politics, USA, regulation