American Gaming Association will Continue to Battle for Federal Regulation

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Sophia

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is one of the top lobbying groups for online poker in the US. In a recent announcement, the group declared that it will continue to interfere in matters related to online gambling. AGA has been battling for a while for a federal online poker bill to be passed. The president of AGA, Frank Fahrenkopf recently wrote a letter to the Global Gaming Business. The letter revealed AGA’s action plan for 2012.

AGA is a Washington, DC based organization. Its members include high profile professionals from the poker community. Some of them are owners of well-known land-based casinos. Fahrenkopf clearly mentioned in the letter to the Global Gaming Business that the AGA will make sure that poker site operators are not subject to unfair rules and taxations.

Nevada Looking to be the First State to Regulate Online Poker

A few weeks ago, Nevada adopted a set of regulations for online poker. Nevada aims to be first state to license and regulate poker sites once the legalization of online poker becomes a reality in the US. South Point Casino’s vice president stated that it wants to be the first in the county to offer real money poker services. AGA is one of the chief lobbying groups for a federal online poker bill. However, the organization is not against individual states licensing and regulating the game.

Rep Joe Barton’s Federal Poker Bill at a Standstill

Rep Joe Barton introduced a federal online poker bill last year. A hearing was held to discuss the matter. The hearing turned out to be a lengthy debate with Fahrenkopf raising some issues. However, no progress has been made on it since that time. The bill is still lying with the Congress.

A hearing was also held at the Capitol Hill to discuss about tribal casinos. During the discussion, Barton’s bill was scrutinized. This paved the way for many heated arguments during the meeting.

Fahrenkopf Worried about DOJ’s Stand on Offshore Operated Sites

The DOJ made a recent announcement stating that the Wire Act is not applicable to online poker. The entire poker community in the US gave favorable interpretations of the DOJ’s opinion. However, Fahrenkopf is quite skeptical. According to him, the new position of the DOJ raises doubts regarding what actions the body will take against illegally operated offshore sites. Anthony Cabot, an attorney based in Las Vegas stated that with the DOJ’s change in opinion on the Wire Act, pressure will build up for a federal bill to be passed.

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