by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Jun 19, 2012 | Updated on Jun 19, 2012While progress has been slow, there’s no doubt that things are slowly moving towards the regulation of online poker in the United States. Nevada is going to have online poker ready to go within the next year, while other states like New Jersey and Delaware have also made significant progress towards legalizing and regulating the game. Many players would prefer a fully national federal solution to online poker, but in the meantime, state-by-state legislation is better than nothing.But not everyone in the USA is on board with expanded online gambling. Many religious and “family” groups have opposed online gambling consistently, helping to make the push for laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which eventually made the events of Black Friday possible.Now, these same groups are looking at the growing trend of states considering online poker – and they don’t like what they’re seeing. A total of 25 different groups have made their voices heard in two letters address to leaders in the United States Congress this month, telling key legislators that they do not approve of online poker and other internet gambling.In the letters, these groups have asked Congress to strengthen two key anti-gambling laws: UIGEA and the Wire Act. A recent interpretation of the Wire Act made it clear that the bill only applied to sports wagering and not other forms of gambling, which is one reason why so many states have taken steps toward legalizing online poker.“Unfortuantely Congress’ clear intent in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006 is now under assault and we are writing to urge you to work once again to protect those most at risk from the proliferation of illegal internet gambling,” said a letter to John Boehner, Speaker of the House.The groups that oppose online poker generally point to legitimate concerns about underage and problem gambling as reasons for their position. However, Poker Players Alliance executive director John Pappas says these groups fail to realize that these problems are hurt, not helped, by the current unregulated climate.“They would like it to continue as unregulated, offshore and out of their eyesight,” Pappas said. “I think they are more than happy to live their lives with their heads in the sand.”
