PPA commends introduction of Internet gaming regulation bill

“The great American game of poker has long been ingrained in our country’s proud history and, as with so many other facets of life, has migrated in the technological age to an online format,” said PPA Chairman and former Senator Alfonse D’Amato.

“Given that millions of Americans currently play online poker, states across the country are recognizing the value in licensing and regulating the game and many are introducing their own laws to allow for residents to play in a safe, regulated market while collecting millions in tax revenue. However, instead of a patchwork of state laws limiting the pool of players against whom residents can play and serving to only protect the Americans in those states, the time is now for Congress to step up and pass federal legislation, like HR XX, that allows the entire country to benefit,” D’Amato added.

The comprehensive bill closely reflects H.R. 2267, which passed through the House Financial Services Committee in July 2010 with overwhelmingly bipartisan support and addressed concerns raised in the hearings.

Calling for the implementation of new technologies to prevent under age play and problem gambler abuse, the bill expands consumer protections not included in the current Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

In addition, the federal government and the states will have the authority to prevent consumer fraud and generate revenue through taxes that are currently being paid to competing countries.  

Key provisions of the bill include, among other things:

- Thorough vetting of potential licensees and creation of an OFAC-style list of illegal operators.

- Mandatory implementation of technologies to protect against underage gambling using the commercial and government databases used for online banking to verify age and identity.

- Requirements for operators to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on deposits and losses to monitor and detect individuals with excessive gaming habits.

- High standards to thwart fraud, abuse and cheating to ensure fair games for customers;

Regulation to prevent money laundering.

- Processes to prevent tax avoidance.

“I commend Representative Campbell and Ranking Member Frank for their leadership to protect players’ rights while implementing important consumer safeguards. We look forward to supporting this vital legislation as it moves through the legislative process,” said D’Amato.