New Online Poker Bill from Congressman John Campbell

The year may only be a month and a half old but we already have the first talk of a poker regulation bill coming from Washington. This time it is John Campbell who was one of those who made an amendment to Barney Frank’s HR2267 that passed the House Financial Services Committee last July. Online poker players probably shouldn’t be holding their breath yet and here at Rakeback Poker we certainly aren’t.

The new poker bill which will be introduced by Congressman Campbell is expected to a variation on a theme rather than a completely new bill. The theme will be the bill introduced by Frank last year but there will be a number of tweaks including:

• Reducing or eliminating the infamous “blackout period,” bringing worldwide customers into the fold
• Increasing the number of states that would automatically opt in
• Establishing a favorable tax framework for players
• “Ensuring that legislation does not unfairly discriminate against companies who currently serve the U.S. market.”

John Pappas who is the Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance which was responsible for alerting the poker public over this told Poker news Daily:

“It is welcomed and exciting news that Congressman Campbell intends to introduce a bill that would license internet poker in the U.S. Last year, Mr. Campbell emerged from the debate in House Financial Services Committee as sensible conservative who understands the benefits of a regulated market rather than the policy of failed prohibition.”

“We are grateful that he is taking a leadership role again this year and we are looking forward to working with him and his Republican and Democrat colleagues.”

The PPA have been responsible for attempting to educate the 100+ new members of Congress since the Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives. The Democrats do still maintain a majority in the Senate.

Pappas and company have been educating the 100+ new members of Congress. Republicans control the House of Representatives, while Democrats retained the majority in the Senate.

Last year Frank’s bill did pass the House Financial Services Committee by a 43-22 margin but was never acted upon and was deemed dead when the last Congressional session ended. Campbell had an amendment added to last year’s bill that was voted onto the bill at the time and his thoughts are likely to play a big role in this new bill.

Online poker players should relax a while and enjoy the status quo for now as at Rakeback Poker we aren’t expecting big changes any time soon. If you are looking for a rakeback poker deal at any of the top poker rooms then check out our rakeback deals.