Two Opposing Bills Introduced in the US, Set to Complicate Poker Scenario in the Country

The war between the anti-PokerStars segment, led by the Veijas tribes and the PokerStars coalition has gone further with two eminent government representatives bringing in two bills, both totally opposite in nature.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has once again brought in the earlier proposed Restoring America’s Wire Act (RAWA) in the US Senate on June 24. This bill, if passed has the potential to bar regulated online poker not only in California, but in the states that have already regulated poker (Delaware, Nevada & New Jersey), as well as the entire United States.

The proposed bill and its timing has irked the Poker Player’s Alliance (PPA), who are set to fight it and have voiced their concerns about the motivations and the timing of the proposition.

It is clearly known that Las Vegas Casino Mughal Adelson Sheldon is the hand behind the anti-PokerStars campaign and he has announced his intention to run for the 2016 presidency on June 1. It is believed that Graham is obviously playing up to Sheldon, in order to keep the funds coming in.

John Pappas, Executive Director PPA said, “Unfortunately, Senator Graham has not reset his priorities and picked a very unfortunate time to engage in the internet gaming debate.”

Pappas continued, “I think I speak for most Americans when I express profound disappointment in Senator Graham for choosing this time to advance a bill for the sole benefit of a billionaire political donor.”

Complicating the matter further, a day after Graham reintroduced the bill, Joe Barton, Texas Congressman (Republican) introduced a bill, HR 2888, Internet Poker Freedom Act, which is the opposite of Senator Graham’s proposition. The HR 2888 seeks to allow regulated online poker throughout the United States and each state would be given the power to choose, whether to allow it or not.

This is Congressman Barton’s third attempt at passing such a bill, after earlier tries in 2011 and 2013. Barton and his allies are hopeful of a ‘third-time lucky’ scenario, as this time the bill is being supported by New Jersey Republican Representative Leonard Lance and Tennessee Democrat Representative Steve Cohen.

Barton told the press about his intentions to free poker, besides protecting underage players with strict norms. Expanding on his ideas, Barton clarified, “My bill is needed now more than ever. It creates one Federal standard that protects the integrity of the game and the financial interests of players – while protecting American consumers from nefarious and predatory overseas gambling operations. Players deserve to have a legal, on-shore system that makes sure everyone is playing in an honest, fair structure. The complex web of state and local regulations now being devised could leave players at risk.”

Pappas has welcomed the bill and said that such a proposal would bring in a fairer field, with transparency and competitors who would give better options to players. He added, “A clear regulatory environment is in the best interest of all consumers, operators, regulators, and law enforcement.“