Senator introduces bill that would finally legalize online poker

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez has introduced a new bill called “Internet Skill Game Licensing and Control Act of 2008” (S. 3616) in where the Senator will try to create a legal structure that would permit the U.S government to license and regulate online poker and skill games. According to the text submitted yesterday by Menendez, the bill describes “Internet skill game” as “an Internet-based game that uses simulated cards, dice, or tiles in which success is predominantly determined by the skill of the players, including poker, bridge, and mahjong.”

The bill, which was consulted and checked with the Poker Players Alliance, include a process to scrutinize all the companies that request a license to operate as well as an obligatory execution of procedures and technologies to prevent underage gambling and compulsive gamblers and ethical principles to avoid all kinds of fraudulent activities including money laundering and tax evasion. If the bill gets the necessary votes to pass, then the Secretary of the Treasury will be in charge of issuing the licenses, safeguards, regulations, and implementing the necessary apparatus to begin licensing Internet “skill games” within 3 months after the vote. The act also calls for the Secretary of the Treasury to supervise the licensed gaming companies and make sure they are following the rules stipulated in the licensing agreement.

"This action by Senator Menendez is yet another example that prohibitions on Internet gambling, and specifically poker, will not work to protect consumers. The PPA has long advocated for thoughtful and effective licensing and regulation of online poker as a means to protect vulnerable communities, such as children and compulsive gamblers, and provide appropriate controls to thwart consumer fraud and abuse. Senator Menendez's legislation is the right vehicle to achieve those goals." said PPA Chairman and Former Senator Alfonse D'Amato.

This is the first time a U.S Senator has written a bill with the intention to specify which games should be considered “skill games” and consequently protect them with a legislation.