Reports have surfaced from several sources stating that Lindsey Graham, a US Senator representing South Carolina, will be introducing legislation soon to the senate which would ban online gambling. A report by PocketFives states that the Poker Players Alliance sent out an email which outlined the plans of Graham.
According to reports, Graham plans on creating legislation that would expand the Wire Act to ban all online gambling including poker in the US. Graham has yet to make any comments on when such legislation would be introduced and sources state the Graham is still searching for a democratic co-sponsor for the bill.
According to PocketFives, Gambling Compliance was referenced by the PPA stating that the Senator had stated his strong opposition for online gambling and further stating that poker should be included in banning online gambling. Graham stated that he was opposed to any carve-outs for gambling specifics, including the proposal by Harry Reid and Dean Heller.
Graham reportedly believes that online gambling is not good for the US and comments South Carolina is not a big gambling state. Graham commented on how damage can be done to society in a general sense with online gambling and that in his home state, law enforcement is ‘pretty universally’ opposed and a ‘wide coalition of cops and religious leaders’ come together on the issue.
The PPA Executive Director John Pappas spoke with PocketFives exclusively on the subject and stated that Graham’s position does not serve anyone’s interests. The legislative proposal would negatively affect those who enjoy online poker as well hurt those who Graham would like to protect. In Pappas opinion, prohibition will protect no one and could create the problems that Graham believes his ideals will suppress.
Pappas went on to state that the movement by Graham is one that the poker community should take very seriously and needs to be opposed. The potential bill could be a threat to the future of United States online poker.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.