A day before hearings are set to begin on U.S. Congressman Barney Frank's bill to combat the restrictions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), fellow Democrat Robert Wexler today introduced legislation that seeks an exemption from the looming U.S. I-gaming prohibition.
Wexler's bill would exempt skill games like poker, mahjong, bridge and backgammon from the UIGEA. Such an exemption would theoretically allow for the return of online poker providers, exiled after the legislation was enacted in October, to the U.S. marketplace.
Josh Rogin, a spokesman for Wexler, has stated that the bill "allows Americans to play poker online as they should have every right to do," based on its nature as a game "you win or lose based on your ability."
Although the skill-games carveout would seem like a positive solution for all those involved in the industry, some dissension has arisen. Point-Spreads.com, a sports information site, carries an editorial arguing poker should not receive an exemption "at the expense of other types of gambling such as blackjack or sports betting."
Congressman Frank has expressed his support of Wexler's bill, but has not made any efforts to add its language to his legislation. Frank does not believe that carveouts will be an effective method of overturning the UIGEA, but is instead seeking broader reforms.
Regardless, Wexler remains supportive of Frank's efforts.
Wexler currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee, of which Frank is the chair.