Poker players across the U.S. have a new person to pin their hopes upon with regard to establishing a framework for regulating Internet Poker and that is Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
Recommended By The PPA
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) recommended Senator Menendez for introducing the Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act. And if for some reason you are underestimating how badly the gaming industry needs Senator Menendez to come through, just keep in mind that his proposal came on the same day that Douglas Rennick was arrest and indicted for processing over $350 million in online poker bets.
Luckily though, the PPA has been working hard to bring a much needed change. During National Poker Week, members of the PPA converged in Washington, D.C., to meet with more than 100 members of the U.S. House and Senate to promote legislation that will license and regulate internet poker.
The Tides Are Turning
Said PPA Chairman and former Senator Alfonse D'Amato : "Through our efforts on Capitol Hill during National Poker Week, the tides are turning and support for licensing and regulating Internet poker versus infringing on Internet freedom is growing."
D'Amato followed by mentioning how happy the PPA is to have Senator Menendez's support in this matter.
"The PPA is pleased that Senator Menendez chose to introduce his bill to license and regulate Internet poker and include additional consumer protections. His continued support for protecting the Internet freedoms of poker players specifically, and Americans generally, is greatly appreciated."
Furthermore, more than 210,000 letters were also sent to Capitol Hill to encourage lawmakers to support the rights of poker players.
More Good News
Online gamblers will also be happy to know that Barney Frank's bill has received a steady show of support by prominent members of Congress. The bill has over 50 cosponsors and with this new Senate bill, there is reason to be optimistic again about the future of internet poker and other forms of online casino gambling.
We were somewhat gloomy after the Douglas Rennick news but we trust that the hard work of the PPA along with the efforts of Senator Menendez and Rep. Frank will lead to licensing and regulation of online gambling.
