US Lotteries Come Forward in Opposition to Online Poker Federal Ban

As the Restoration of America’s Wire Act was just introduced a few days ago, many have begun to voice their opposition. Created by Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Jason Chaffetz, the bill would ban online poker in the US, after several states already offer the option and more are beginning to ponder regulation. It has now come to light that the US lotteries are opposed to the federal ban that would negatively affect them as well.

A letter was issued earlier this week from the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries and in the letter, opposition was expressed over the potential ban. David Gale is the Executive Director of the NASPL and he commented that the association believes and is on record stating that all gaming should be left up to individual states to determine if the games are to be offered. They also believe that individual states should be able to decide in the manner that the games are delivered to customers.

Gale stated further that this belief system is and has always been a state’s right to make the decisions on gaming within its respective borders. Speaking towards the lottery, the letter states that because lottery products are sold in a competitive market, it is important for the gaming industry to design and offer secure games so players want to play to continue to raise money to fund important programs and services.

If the Wire Act is restored to its former state, all wagering of online gaming would be outlawed. This would essentially affect multi-state lotteries such as the Powerball or the Mega Millions. Online tickets could not be sold and this would affect the potential earnings of participating states. Gale wrote further in the letter that it is the intent of the lottery and an obligation to protect the traditional games and to position the industry for growth, which in reality, this new bill would not allow. The full letter from the lottery group can be read here.

Up To $3,000 in Bonuses! Play Now
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.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply