The PPA is hailing it as a major lobbying victory, and while it may not be the silver bullet online pokerplayers have been waiting for, Senator Robert Menendez’s (D-NJ) Internet Skill Game Licensing and Control Act represents a major step forward for the industry.

Introduced yesterday, the bill (full text on the PPA website here) seeks to do basically what the title suggests - explicitly legalize wagering on online games of skill and create a regulatory and licensing framework for the skill game industry.

PPA Executive Director John Pappas broke the news on the 2+2 forum. Excerpt from Pappas’ comments:

To be sure, the PPA does not think that this bill will pass both houses and be signed into law this year. It is however, an excellent marker for the next Congress and the new Administration. It is also the first time the Senate has acted on our issue.

S. 3616 is a bill that a poker player can love. Unlike Mr. Frank’s H.R. 2046, this bill is limited to games of skill (multiplayer, non-house banked games) … it is a true poker bill.

… and here’s a quote from D’Amato taken from the official PPA press release on the bill:

“This action by Senator Menendez is yet another example that prohibitions on Internet gambling, and specifically poker, will not work to protect consumers,” said PPA Chairman and Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato. “The PPA has long advocated for thoughtful and effective licensing and regulation of online pokeras a means to protect vulnerable communities, such as children and compulsive gamblers, and provide appropriate controls to thwart consumer fraud and abuse. Senator Menendez legislation is the right vehicle to achieve those goals.”

Link to 2+2 legislative forum discussion thread here.

Go here to read the rest:
New bill in Senate seeks to regulate online poker

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