Not All Republicans on Same Page When It Comes to Legalizing Online Poker

It emerged this week that the Republican platform features wording that would look to quash the multi-billion dollar online gambling sector, and presumably Internet poker. 

Millions of Americans suffer from problem or pathological gambling that can destroy families. We support the prohibition of gambling over the Internet and call for reversal of the Justice Department’s decision distorting the formerly accepted meaning of the Wire Act that could open the door to Internet betting.

Ironically, it is a Republican Congress, Joe Barton of Texas, who has proposed a measure that would legalize online poker.  A number of his fellow Republicans have offered support for the bill. 

The Poker Players Alliance acknowledged the efforts of some GOP politicians to push for legalization.

It is unfortunate that the authors of the plank are at odds with many House Republicans who are leading the charge for licensed and regulated online poker, but it is even worse that they are so out of touch with the actual voters. Let’s all be sure to do our part through Election Day to ensure that all lawmakers understand where the people are on this important issue.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com