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Congressman Wexler Shows Support for Exemption on Games of Skill
Congressman Robert Wexler, a Democrat from the House of Representatives who represents Florida’s 19th congressional district, arrived at the Amazon Room at 2007 WSOP in support of the Skill Game Protection Act. His bill represents games like poker and chess that pit players against each other instead of against the House.
“My bill would undo the prohibition that was put in place during the last Congress that prevents adult Americans in consensual fashion from playing poker and a whole other set of games,” he said. “My bill essentially says that an adult in America can play a game of skill if he or she chooses and that the U.S. Government should not be in the business of deciding what games adults should be playing on the Internet.”
Congressman Bill Frist had attached the legislation for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to a Port Security bill by Fall ‘06 and was greeted with unanimous approval in the Senate as well as a large majority in the House, despite the fact that lotteries and horse races had been exempted.
"It’s a violation of the purest form of personal freedom,” said Congressman Wexler. “All that we’ve done is force people to participate on websites from overseas that aren’t as well protected as they would be if they were in America. That money is being pushed overseas where they won’t be paying income taxes.”
James McDermott has similarly drafted a proposal called the Internet Gambling Tax Act, which is still awaiting discussion. Wexler defends the sport, saying, “Poker is a national pastime. People play poker in the House. There are stories about Reagan and Top O’Neill playing poker when they got together. American soldiers play poker all over the world. It enjoys an enormous amount of support and I was happy to learn that there are more Americans who watch poker on television than watch college football and the NBA. I think that’s an illustration of how much poker is part of the American fabric of life.”
Congressman Wexler acknowledges that it is the medium and not the game that has changed. Congress has not taken well to dealing with this change. Wexler believes that many in Congress remain ignorant of the impact of Frist’s suggested legislation.
“There’s a lot of work to be done still,” he said. “Most members of Congress don’t realize that we have prohibited consenting adults form playing on the internet. They don’t appreciate the level of passion that exists in the country on behalf of poker players who would like to play, but can’t. We’re just at the beginning of a crescendo of political efforts.”
The Poker Players Alliance President, Michael Bolcerek, and former New York Senator, Alfonse D’Amato accompanied Congressman Wexler to Las Vegas. Wexler appears to endorse the actions of the PPA, saying, “The PPA has an incredible product to sell and there are good people behind it. What they’re talking to members of Congress about is that no prohibition has worked in American history. Prohibition on alcohol didn’t work and prohibition regarding poker on the internet ultimately won’t work. What the PPA is accomplishing is educating members of Congress as to the current situation and also showing them that there are reasonable ways to fix it. My bill, I would respectfully suggest, is one of them.”
"Congressman Wexler's bill is a positive development for the millions of American poker players who enjoy one of our nation's great pastimes," said Senator Alfonse D'Amato, PPA Chairman of the Board. "Poker and other games of skill have fallen victim to bad public policy. Wexler's plan will give skill games the rightful protection they deserve and it will require the proper safeguards to protect children and those prone to abuse."
Wexler’s bill is expected to clarify the existing law on the types of skill games that should be exempt as well as encourage the adoption of safeguards for consumers. These could include requiring the Websites to use top-of-the-line age verification technology, provide services for problem gamblers, and help crack down on money-laundering activities.
Senator D’Amato believes, "Congressman Wexler's legislation is necessary to provide equitable treatment for true games of intellect and competitions among individuals. This skill based competition is the true spirit of the game, and the reason for its popularity whether it is played at the World Series of Poker, over the Internet or at your kitchen table. Americans have played poker responsibly throughout our history and the Wexler bill will ensure that the game is enjoyed for years to come."
Congressman Wexler said, “Poker is a game, it is not a crime. Millions of Americans enjoy competing with each other in games of skill on the Internet. We should protect the freedom of law-abiding adults to participate in these great American pastimes.” Thousands of poker players around the country look forward to a positive reinforcement of this freedom and exemption from the current ban on online gambling.
By Poker Man
Aug 14, 2007
© Copyright 2004-2005 www.realpoker365.com
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