By
Dan
NASHVILLE, TN – Online poker’s booming popularity has led many in Washington, D.C. and around the country to ponder what, if any, role the government should take in the industry. Proposed in the Senate by John Kyl (R-AZ) and in the House by Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act could change the landscape of the online gambling community completely by holding gamblers liable for making picks on their favorite professional sports team, folding their cards after a raise, and hitting their blackjack hands over the Internet.
Recently, Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) joined the PocketFives.com weekly Podcast to discuss his views on the recent legislation. Interviewed by PocketFives.com co-owner Adam Small, Congressman Frank’s comments illustrate a growing divide in Congress: “I think [the legislation] is a great infringement on liberty. When it comes to an individual decision on how to spend your own time and money, that’s not my position. That’s not my business. I am skeptical of people who want to protect people from themselves.”
Congressman Frank likened the online gambling ban to the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Prohibition), which was ratified in 1919: “In a free society, it’s very hard to keep people from doing what they want to do themselves.” Following the passage of the Amendment, a black market for alcohol existed for over a dozen years until its repeal in 1933, as society continued to enjoy liquor. This problem of habitual behavior is one which Congressman Frank considers relevant to the current legislation: “There isn’t a human activity I’m aware of that some people don’t do in excess. Some people drive their cars too fast. Some people drink too much. Some small percentage of adults misuses any activity. If that’s a reason do ban it, [the United States] would be a very boring place.”
As far as the future of the bill, that is up to the voters of this country: “Members of Congress pay close attention to members of their districts. If everyone wrote to their one Representative and two Senators, and said ‘I will be very dissatisfied and vote against you if you vote for this bill,’ that will go a long way. Make sure you’re a registered voter first.” CardPlayer.com offers a free service that allows anyone who visits the site to send an e-mail to their Representatives and Senators. According to its website, “There are 70 Million Poker Players in the United States. If Congress just hears opposition from a few concerned poker players, it makes a large impact.” To utilize this service, visit www.cardplayer.com and follow the links.
A lobby group called the Poker Players Alliance is currently helping online gamblers raiser their voices at the forthcoming legislation. According to its website, www.pokerplayersalliance.org, the PPA “is dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s favorite pastime.” Their Congressional lobbying, along with correspondence from legislative constituents, can bring an end to the current bills, according to Congressman Frank: “Everyone needs to write their lawmakers. If enough people did this and spoke up, we could stop this legislation.”
For the full Podcast, visit www.pocketfives.com. The site would like to thank Congressman Frank and his staff for allowing its users time to learn about this important legislation and what can be done to halt its progress.