US Online Poker Law Lobbying Intensifies

In response to the modification of the United States’ Department of Justice (DOJ) Wire Act of 1961, the online gaming industry is heaping increased pressure on Congress that the legalization of the online poker industry is necessary to facilitate immediately.

The Wire Act of 1961 was recently changed to ease restrictions on the online poker industry. After heavy scrutiny over the past few years, it was announced recently in a memorandum by the DOJ that online poker is legal under the act and not respective of non-sports activities, which the act relates to. The announcement of this ruling and modification was hailed as a victory for the online poker industry who had repeatedly lobbied to have the act investigated, as there was much confusion over its intentions before the modification was made in December 2011.

Whilst the memorandum on the act does not legalize the online poker industry, it does open up fewer restrictions, a clear step forward towards legalization. Lobbyists as well as some lawmakers are using this as an opportunity for more action to be taken on a federal level, in hopes of clearing up further issues and provide more space and freedom for the industry to grow.

Certain states in the US will however be pushing through on certain movements over the course of 2012. Online Blackjack and Poker services will be offered in April in Washington DC. Illinois will also start selling lottery tickets online at the same time as well.  Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, previously said this week that his beloved state has the great potential of becoming a dominant epicentre for online betting as a result of this ruling and through legalization.

John Pappas, the director of Poker Players Alliance (PPA) had issued a statement to POLTICO (which deals with political news) stating, “The writing is on the wall. The states are going to do this. The first three or four months of the year is going to be pretty important for Congress to act.”

There is argument over which method of implementation is more beneficial for the country, whether or not state or federal law is more efficient. Those pressing for federal law claim that US States are far too small and unprepared to face the financial challenges of online gaming, whilst state officials however claim that they are confident and capable and that there is no need for federal law.

The NASPL does not agree with federal implementation and last year passed a resolution that had opposed the creation of a federal online gaming law, saying that it would deprive states of control and regulation of its gambling.

Whilst there is the possibility for states to opt out of federal bills, local officials state that there are large repercussions as a result of initial implementation that are not always of benefit to the states.

[Source: Tight Poker]