With support from 11 bipartisan co-sponsors, Representative Joe Barton introduced his online poker bill into the House of Representatives on Friday.
The bill is based around consumer protection and will create an interstate licensing programme for online poker sites, while also allowing states to opt out if they don’t want to participate.
Lawmakers believe that the government shouldn’t prevent people from playing a game of skill and should instead protect consumers.
Following the introduction of Rep Barton’s bill, the AGA has issued a statement in support of the licensing and regulation of online poker in the US. The association stated that although it has not endorsed any specific legislation on this issue, it is pleased that Rep Barton wants to protect American consumers and understands the need for regulating online poker in the US.
The AGA believes that US online poker players deserve to know they are playing safely with law-abiding operators, but that strong enforcement of illegal operators and unambiguous US laws governing online gambling are equally vital.
