BestCraps.com

Online Poker Legislation Generates Heat Anew

Posted on December 7th, 2010

News Sponsored by Go Casino

Rated 5 Stars by BestCraps.com

Read Review

Visit Casino

Download Software

————————————————

Through Senate Majority leader Harry Reid efforts, poker might become an online gaming activity as opposed to the normal deck of cards on hand and opponents upfront. On the other hand, with the same legislation, initial licenses for casinos and racetrack operators will be constrained. The bill proposes the legalization of online poker where money is deposited through credit cards and a software program enables the players to play the game just like the real thiing. Players will have an option to bet, hold and fold with a prompt from the program and at the same time, they can monitor how chips are gained and lost for each game.

Currently, republicans and democrats are not yet settled on the issue, with a still ongoing issue on legalizing online gambling. Though, the House Financial Services Committee passes an approved configuration regarding the issue this year, the topic is far from settled. It can also be noted that four years ago, the congress issued a ban against online gambling and Reid’s associates are now working to lift the ban. However, three Republicans from the House including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky declared their strong opposition agaisnt putting poker in the internet. They pointed out that this kind of gambling will bring economic and social crises which more families will be affected. According to them, the government should not take advantage of the fragile and susceptible citizens. They further said that this would put teenagers in an underground, unregulated atmosphere—which, even though it augments the ailing budget, should not be allowed by the government. They also argue that with poker available online, it would be easily available to anyone. It would then be harder to control or limit problem gamblers’ access to the game.

The three republicans namely Spencer Bachus of Alabama, Dave Camp of Michigan and Lamar Smith of Texas are candidates to hold a position in the judiciary, ways and means and finance which assumes the authority to examine the online gambling bill. The Associated Press acquired the draft legislation copy for the internet gambling bill and is now circulating on the senate and other offices but Reid’s office chose to keep silent about the subject matter. According to Rep. Barney Frank, D-mass, the chairman of the Financial Services, “We are talking about a decision by adults to do what they want with their own money.” He also said that the bill won’t hurt any person as long as they can properly push this in. They have the rules for this game and they know how to control it properly. The draft legislation includes that Indian tribes and other states should purchase a poker license so they can avail of the online version of the game. From the last elections, Reid obtained much of his campaign funds from casino companies—which total to more than $ 300,000. And now, poker companies around the US particularly in Nevada are bidding to take control of the online industry. Since this is a largely untapped industry, having control over it would largely cause their income to balloon to unimaginable levels.

Supporters of the bill argued that opposition to alcohol never worked and so is opposition to internet gambling. This can give the government greater earnings with less spending. Supporters continue to argue that while some people do have problems with gambling, it is a personal case. It would be absurd for the government to ban an activity that only a few people have problems against. Supporters contend that regulation, not outright banning of the activity, is the better approach.

Poker is arguably the most popular gambling game all over the world. Over the years, it has accumulated a sizable number of enthusiasts. The latest and most lucky poker player earned a total of $9 million dollars from Las Vegas’ World’s Poker Series. And with poker tournaments televized, there’s no stopping the sport from leaping into another platform—online. While the opposition has meritable concerns, supporters have continually suggested that such concerns will be properly addressed once proper regulation is in place.