Online Poker Hearing at Capital Hill
The debate on online poker sites has heaten up on Capitol Hill, the new argument is about letting people make choices for themselves, even if those choices aren’t the best. While critics have leveled valid points, those in favor of allowing online poker sites in the United States say that in the end, the arguments fail.
Sen. Barney Frank's bill would legalize online poker in the U.S.; it is currently being discussed by the House Financial Services Committee and has received backing from a World Series of Poker bracelet winner.
Annie Duke, a professional poker player, told the committee that it’s not up to government to restrict the right of people to play poker in their homes. Currently, American players must sign up with poker sites that operate offshore because online poker rooms can not be run in the U.S.
“American poker players are not content with a system where they are limited to play on off-shore sites regulated by foreign governments,” Duke said. “They want to play on sites licensed in the United States.”
Those who oppose the bill say that the bill does little to nothing to prevent underage players and does little to help diminish gambling addictions.
Frank says that these arguments are irrelevant because it’s up to people to make “unwise choices” and it’s not government’s job to prevent these choices. “The poor children are being used by people who don’t like gambling. Let’s let people do what they want.”
Frank’s bill will legalize online poker playing and also create a system for taxing company earnings. According to some reports, taxing online poker rooms could net the government $42 billion over 10 years.
