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Federal legislation was introduced Thursday afternoon that looks to legalize Internet poker. Representatives John Campbell (R-CA) and long time advocate of legalized online gambling in the US, Barney Frank (D-MA), presented the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, which would establish federal licensing and regulation of Internet gambling.
“The great American game of poker has long been ingrained in our country’s proud history and, as with so many other facets of life, has migrated in the technological age to an online format,” said Poker Players Alliance Chairman and former Senator Alfonse D’Amato. “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 to allow for residents to play in a safe, regulated market while collecting millions in tax revenue. However, instead of a patchwork of state laws limiting the pool of players against whom residents can play and serving to only protect the Americans in those states, the time is now for Congress to step up and pass federal legislation, like HR XX, that allows the entire country to benefit.”
The bill closely reflects H.R. 2267, as noted by the PPA, calling for implementation of new technologies to prevent fraud, abuse and underage gambling.
In addition, the federal government and the states will have the authority to prevent consumer fraud and generate revenue through taxes that are currently being paid to competing countries like Costa Rica and Antigua.
Key provisions of the bill include, among other things:
• Thorough vetting of potential licensees and creation of an OFAC-style list of illegal operators;
• Mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity
• Requirements for operators to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on deposits and losses to monitor and detect individuals with excessive gaming habits;
• High standards to thwart fraud, abuse and cheating to ensure fair games for customers;
• Regulation to prevent money laundering; and,
• Processes to prevent tax avoidance.
“I commend Representative Campbell and Ranking Member Frank for their leadership to protect players’ rights while implementing important consumer safeguards. We look forward to supporting this vital legislation as it moves through the legislative process,” said D’Amato.
