On Wednesday, while Congress was adjourned, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham (pictured) introduced Restoring America’s Wire Act in the US Senate. The legislation, driven at the behest of Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson, bans internet gambling and online poker in the US.

John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance, responded to the introduction of RAWA in the Senate by saying, “Congress made the decision to adjourn early so they could attend services on Friday in Senator Graham’s home state. Unfortunately, Senator Graham has not reset his priorities and picked a very unfortunate time to engage in the internet gaming debate.”

The PPA added that the poor timing meant that Graham’s priorities were “misplaced,” saying, “As the eyes of the nation are focused on South Carolina following the recent tragic event, I think I speak for most Americans when I express profound disappointment in Senator Graham for choosing this time to advance a bill for the sole benefit of a billionaire political donor.”

Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz (pictured) introduced RAWA in the House of Representatives in February and a subcommittee hearing was held one month later. Fear-mongering pervaded the hearing, which offered no technical or regulative know-how. The PPA is anticipating a markup of the bill.

Graham is running for President of the United States under the Republican banner. Therefore, some see RAWA’s introduction as a bid to secure campaign contributions from Adelson.

As the PPA put it, “Sheldon Adelson’s power over politicians, especially those running for President, is significant, but Congress must show it is stronger. Online poker licensing and regulation is the only way to ensure consumers are protected and Americans who want to play poker online, have a safe way to do so.”

Three states in the US regulate internet gambling and/or online poker: New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.

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