WEXLER'S POKER BILL DETAILED (Update)

8 June 2007

Florida representative to launch proposal to exempt poker from UIGEA this week

A much anticipated bill designed to liberate poker and other games of skill from the provisions of the anti-online gambling Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act will be introduced this week by Florida Congressman Robert A. Wexler. The bill, entitled Skill Game Protection Act, is a measure that will create exemptions to permit Americans to gamble in online skill games like poker, mahjong, backgammon, chess and bridge.

Wexler's legislation wants to allow American skill game players the chance to gamble in matches against one another. The SGPA does not exempt players looking to gamble against an online casino, or any operator of games of chance.

"Poker is a game, not a crime," Wexler said in a press release. "Millions of Americans enjoy competing with each other in games of skill on the Internet. We should protect the freedom of law-abiding adults to participate in these great American pastimes."

Wexler introduces the bill by stating that Americans enjoy competing for money in these games and in some instances, like poker, these games represent a person's primary source of income. He goes on to argue that although these games contain an element of chance, a player's overall success is largely dependent on their skill level. This makes the experience "distinct from games of chance."

In his proposal, Wexler urges government to take steps to ensure that minors and problem gamblers are prevented from gambling online, saying that persons with compulsive behavior should be identified and treated; that operators of real-money skill games should not be involved in money laundering or illegal activities; that taxes must be collected and that persons from states that have banned online gambling should be excluded.

The Poker Player's Alliance supports Wexler's bill, commenting that it: "....clarifies existing law and provides rightful protections for poker and other games of skill under both the UIGEA and the Wire Act of 1961."

"Congressman Wexler's bill is a positive development for the millions of American poker players who enjoy one of our nation's great pastimes," said former Senator Alfonse D'Amato, PPA Chairman.

"Poker and other games of skill have fallen victim to bad public policy. Wexler's plan will give skill games the rightful protection they deserve and it will require the proper safeguards to protect children and those prone to abuse."

Wexler is a member of the House Financial Services committee chaired by Congressman Barney Frank.

Describing the new bill, Wexler spokesperson Josh Rogin said: "It allows Americans to play poker online as they should have every right to do." Rogin said Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat, is also supportive of Wexler's bill.

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