President Obama Comes to Las Vegas to Promote Jobs ActPoker Industry Hoping to Attach Internet Game to Omnibus Bill |
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President Barack Obama spoke Monday at the Bellagio about his revised jobs bill and how the government could help desperate Nevada homeowners.
The president arrived in Las Vegas at just before noon to also attend a campaign fundraiser and visit one of the city’s neighborhoods, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
Obama, who reportedly has played poker in the past, is looking to push at least parts of his proposal through Congress right away to help a faltering U.S. economy.
Card Player has been following the struggle to create a licensed and regulated online poker system within the country — one that would create some jobs and generate tax revenue, while also protecting consumers.
In a recent magazine cover story, Card Player pointed out that most industry experts agree that Capitol Hill will not vote on a standalone poker bill. Instead, potential poker legislation would likely be tied to any upcoming deficit reduction or job creation bill. However, there is no indication that online poker could find it’s way into Obama’s American Jobs Act.
Nevertheless, it appears any legislation that lays the groundwork for the U.S. online poker industry will, like the legislation that crippled it (the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act), be buried within a larger omnibus bill.
One industry insider said that “the chances of a poker bill happening in 2011 are 50-50 between Thanksgiving and Christmas.” If such legislation was approved, U.S. gaming companies could offer real money poker by January 2013.
The topic of Internet poker is set to be discussed on Capitol Hill on Oct. 25. Those interested in contacting the committee to make their voices heard can do so here.
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