New Federal Online Poker Bill Introduced

Texas Congressman Joe Barton on Thursday introduced his second attempt at federal online poker legislation. The bill, dubbed the “Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013,” would allow states and tribal groups to offer the online game as part of a federal regime.

Jurisdictions could opt out of such a nationwide system, under Barton’s bill.

“Poker is an all-American game,” Barton said in a statement. “I continue to be supportive of the Americans who play poker online. They deserve to have a legal, on-shore system that makes sure everyone is playing in an honest, fair structure.”

So far, Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have legalized online gambling on their own. Nevada kicked off its real-money games earlier this year with the launch of Ultimate Poker, a site owned and operated by an offshoot of Station Casinos. The WSOP should soon follow.

Online poker has largely been restricted in the United States after Black Friday in April 2011.

Earlier this summer, a lawmaker from New York introduced his own online gambling bill.

“A common federal standard will ensure strong protections for consumers, protect against problem and underage gambling, and make it easier for businesses, players, lawmakers and regulators to navigate and freely participate,” Congressman Peter King said in a statement.

It’s highly unlikely that either bill will pass, however.

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