In a hearing held in the US recently, lawmakers agreed on the fact that it is high time that online gambling is made legal in the country. With the exception of Utah and Hawaii, most states in the US have some form of gambling operating legally. The deal passed in 2025, with regard to a ban on financial institutions of the US to offer services to online gambling sites, could not be implemented successfully. Currently, as much as $6 billion is spent by American customers on offshore operated sites.

Arguments Supporting the Proposed Legalization Bill

Joe Barton, spoke in favor online poker's legalization. He emphasized the involvement of skill in poker, to support his argument. Barton stated the example of President Nixon, whose initial congressional campaign was funded through his poker wins. President Obama is also an excellent card player. A poker bill was submitted by Barton to the house. The proposed bill has already gathered a lot of support, especially by sites offering online roulette and other casino games.

Native American Fair Commerce Coalition Opposes the Bill's Current Form

Quite a few voices have been raised against the poker bill in its current form. The Native American Fair Commerce Coalition pointed out that a few details of the bill are unfair.

The tax structure provided in the current form of the bill has been declared to be unfair as far as tribal interests are concerned. Tribes presently don't fall under the tax structure of the country. If the poker bill in its present form is allowed to operate, it would be an act of trespassing the sovereignty of tribes.

Stevens Urged that Tribes should be Allowed to be in Forefront

National Indian Gaming Association's chairperson, Ernest Stevens, stated that the Native American People deserved to be in the forefront. He cited examples of historic struggles which tribes went through for years, to support his view. Stevens stated that certain sections of tribes are still undecided on the question of online gambling's legalization. However, a consensus has been reached among various groups regarding certain rights to be conferred on them, if online gambling is legalized.

These rights include tribes regulating their own online gambling offerings. They want their products to be made available to places where online gambling is legal. Tribes also claimed that the rights which they currently exercise should be respected by the legislation, and they should not be taxed for participating as operators. Stevens added that the poker bill not having considered tribal interests, has been severely opposed by tribes.

Native American Fair Commerce Coalition Highlights another Problematic Aspect of Barton's Poker Bill

The second problem with regard to Barton's poker bill is that the National Indian Gaming Commission will no longer be able to issue licenses if the bill in its present format is passed. The bill also puts restriction on the type of tribes who can operate poker sites. Participation in gambling activities has helped the tribes to fight poverty to a large extent. Hence, they don't want to be excluded from any active participation in future as well.