President and CEO of the American Gaming Association Frank Fahrenkopf has urged Congress to approve legislation in the US.

Making a statement on the eve of the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table, Fahrenkopf urged Congress to "act to approve legislation allowing states to license and regulate online poker so Americans who play online poker can do so safely with responsible, law-abiding operators."

Fahrenkopf commented on the popularity of the poker event and said that millions of Americans are expected to tune in to watch. He added: "Unfortunately, when these same Americans - plus many more - log on to play poker online, they face a wild west atmosphere with little or no regulation and where law enforcement has limited ability to protect them.

“Congress must act to approve legislation allowing states to license and regulate online poker so Americans who play online poker can do so safely with responsible, law-abiding operators.

"Establishing federal guidelines to allow state-licensed and regulated online poker would also effectively keep minors from gambling online, prevent fraud and money laundering, address problem gambling and ensure players aren't being cheated. American consumers deserve to be protected. Licensing and regulation of online poker in the US is the only way to do it."