In contrast to efforts to ban online poker nationwide, a lawmaker from Texas is pushing a bill to legalize it in America.
Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) re-introduced his proposal, dubbed “The Internet Poker Freedom Act,” on Thursday, just days after Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced his legislation aiming to “restore” America’s 1961 Wire Act and ban most forms of Internet gaming.
Graham’s proposal is backed by billionaire casino owner Sheldon Adelson.
“Poker is an all-American game," Barton said in a statement. “It’s a game that I learned as a teen and continue to play today. Just like millions of other players I enjoy the strategy and skill involved. I continue to be supportive of the Americans who play poker online.”
He added that his bill “is needed now more than ever.”
“I believe H.R. 2888, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015, creates a federal standard and provides players proper protections. At the same time, it includes safeguards for children and problem gamblers,” he said, addressing concerns some opponents have.
Barton indicated several months ago that he was planning another online poker push on Capitol Hill, despite his efforts in the past not panning out.