On Thursday, it was publicly revealed that Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI, pictured) had drafted a bill focusing on regulating Tribal internet gaming in the United States. You can watch the hearing in its entirety by clicking here.

In a hearing concerning internet gambling and its effects on Tribes held on Thursday on Capitol Hill, the Chairman prefaced, “This bill is intended to further the dialogue with Tribes… I encourage all of you to review the bill and provide comments. In any expansion of gaming, we must make sure that the unique circumstances surrounding Tribal sovereignty are maintained in any legislation. We must also allow Tribes to participate fully.”

PocketFives reached out to Poker Players Alliance(PPA) Executive Director John Pappas, who assessed the bill’s impact: “The draft legislation is solely focused on Tribal licensing of internet poker. It is an important benchmark for Tribal interests and the PPA strongly believes Tribes should be part of the future competitive internet poker marketplace. But, since it is not a holistic approach and does not contemplate other potential licensees, it is more for discussion rather than a realistic legislative vehicle.”

A portion of Thursday’s hearing was devoted to reminding those in attendance and those watching at home on a live stream how vital Tribal gaming is to Indian communities. Speaking to that, and driving the point home throughout the hearing, was former “Saturday Night Live” cast member and current Senator Al Franken (D-MN).

Franken opened by saying, “Gaming has been an incredibly powerful economic tool for Tribes. Gaming enterprises have brought much needed revenue and jobs to Indian Country… It is a tool that if used well can make a huge difference. It’s something worth protecting. Any changes to current gaming law must take into account the special place Tribes hold in the gaming industry.”

After National Indian Gaming Commission Chair Tracie Stevens told the assembled committee about the inner workings of her government organization, Mohegan Tribe Chair Bruce Bozsum (pictured) advocated a Federal solution to internet gaming: “Internet gaming is a reality in today’s digital world. Our Tribe is doing everything to prepare for it… In the wake of the game-changing DOJ opinion [that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting], Federal regulators and Tribes should work together to create a Federal policy.”

Bozsum called a possible state-by-state approach to online gambling “chaotic” and added that it would not be good “for protecting consumers or underage or problem gamblers… I believe a patchwork system will let too many minors and problem gamblers fall through the cracks.”

Also testifying as a witness during Thursday’s Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing was Glen Gobin, Secretary of the Tulalip Tribe. Gobin testified against internet gambling legalization in a previous Senate hearing, but seemed more amenable this time around.

Gobin told the crowd, “This new DOJ opinion clearly allows states to participate in internet gambling within their states… Tribes have the ability to participate in this same activity even though some would argue that Tribal gaming is not fully defined… Tribes must be at the table to protect and promote these principles in any Federal legislation that might come forward.”

In a thread on PocketFives, PPA Vice President of Player Relations Rich TheEngineerMuny (pictured) posted his thoughts throughout the hearing. Muny said of former Congressman Jon Porter, who testified as part of the third and final panel of the day, “Fmr. Rep Jon Porter tells the Committee how poker is different from house-banked, casino-style games of chance. Nice!”

Muny concluded by giving his take on the day’s events: “I think the hearing went well for the poker community. Poker is clearly on the front burner now!”

In the background of the ongoing discussion of internet gambling in Washington, D.C. is the looming general election, which takes place in November. The entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for election, meaning that internet gambling is likely to take a back seat until the so-called “lame duck” session in the closing weeks of the year.