Former Congresswoman To Fight Against Potential Federal Ban Of Online Poker

There likely won’t be any passage of legislation that would legalize nationwide — or ban nationwide — forms of Internet gambling. For one, a few states are already realizing those revenues and Congress would surely not put an end to those revenue streams. Since the states are already venturing out on their own, there is less of an impetus to push through a bill to make it legal nationwide. Not to mention, the issue is pretty controversial and there have always been more pressing matters for Congress to look at.

Despite all of this, one group led by Sheldon Adelson is pushing a federal ban on the web games. Those efforts reportedly have prompoted a former Congresswoman to join a group that will oppose the opposition to online gaming. Mary Bono, who represented Californians, is teaming up with Mike Oxley, a former Congressman from Ohio, to lead the “Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection”, which will try to protect online poker from said ban.

These developments are according to The Desert Sun.

The battle is expected to be costly for both sides, with Adelson saying he would spend whatever it takes to thwart, or at least delay, online gambling in the U.S.

Bono’s group, known as C4COP, reportedly has said that “an online gaming ban simply would not work,” since it would limit states’ rights and would “stifle innovation and growth.”

“Congress can neither legislate the Internet away, nor consumer demand for online products. We need to do all we can to make sure that the Internet is a safe place for businesses, consumers, families and children,” Bono said in a statement.

“I am proud to be a part of the Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection to make sure that people know the risks behind implementing such a ban.”

As a lawmaker, Bono was also involved with past online poker discussions on Capitol Hill.

C4COP is backed by MGM Resorts International, among others, according to Politico.

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