Congress Holds Hearing on Online Poker Bill

The much publicised hearing regarding online poker and the Barton Bill was held on Tuesday by the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.  Six witnesses were presented to the committee, including former Senator and current PPA Chairman Al D’Aamato.

This is likely the first step in a long process.

Before the witnesses testified, several statements were taken from subcommittee members.  The one that may hold the most interest for those against online poker legalization came from Rep. Brett Guthrie of Tennessee.

He stated that legalizing online gaming would clearly impact the horseracing industry and take away dollars spent on the industry.  He urged the panel to take a close look at that impact in any gaming legislation.

Once the testimony from witnesses began, most came off as at least supportive of online legislation, but each seemed to have concerns.  Former Senator D’Amato took the customary stance on job creation, tax revenue generation, and protecting consumer interest.

Ernest Stevens, the Chairman for the National Indian Gaming Association plainly told Congress that while he felt that it was in the best interest of Indian nations to support online gaming, he felt that some tribes would not come on board any legislation unless their concerns were address and also that the would be among the first to enter the market once legalization is approved.

Keith Whyte the Executive Director for the National Council on Problem Gaming believes that currently proposed legislation does nothing to address the price of gambling addiction.  He felt that any bill that legalized gaming should set aside funds addressing this problem.

Dr. Dan Romer of the Adolescent Communication Institute and Kurt Eggert of the Chapman University School of Law worried about the protection of kids and teenagers.  Mr. Eggert preached caution due to the fact that online gambling would be as close as the touch of a smart phone screen.  Mr. Eggert insisted that more research needed to be done on the best ways to protect kids and teens from online gambling sites.

At the end, Subcommittee Chairman Mary Bono Mack said that the subcommitttee would examine this issue from every angle and when the smoke clears, they will do what is in the best interest of the American public.

Future hearing dates have not yet been set, but one can assume that this is just the beginning of a long process.  We will bring you more on this story as it develops.

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