Barton Launches New US Online Gambling Bill - 06-27-11

June 27 - Republican representative, Joe Barton, rolled out his HR 2366 bill on Friday which is the latest attempt to bring about legalized and regulated online poker in the United States. Barton's bill, the Online Poker Act of 2011, was introduced to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which the Texan is chairman.

Introducing the bill, Barton said that "poker is an all-American game, and it's a game that requires strategy and skill."

"Millions of Americans play poker online," he said. "We want to have an iron clad system to make sure that those who play for money are playing in an honest, fair system where they can reap the benefits of their winnings."

He said that the bill is about having the personal freedom to play a skill-based game without the fear of breaking the law.

The bill has the support of 11 representatives from across the US political spectrum, including Barney Frank, Ron Paul and Shelley Berkley.

California's John Campbell, himself a Republican, said that even though he does not gamble himself, "freedom is not about legislating what I like to do and making illegal what I don't."

"Freedom is about allowing responsible Americans to do what they happen to enjoy," he said.

Interesting Facts about HR 2366

The new bill seeks to legalize online poker on a federal level in the US, although individual states will have the opportunity to opt out if they so wish.

The only companies that will be eligible for licenses are major land based casinos, card rooms and race tracks who are based in the United States. This clause is sure to generate much controversy in the gambling industry, especially due to its protectionist nature.

All other forms of internet gambling that are not legal under current state and federal laws will be left out of the bill.

Only Americans of 21 years old or over will be allowed to play online poker.