Congressman Wexler to propose iGambling bill

Submitted on Thu, 2007-06-07 10:34Robert Wexler, Democratic congressman from Florida, is expected to introduce legislation tomorrow designed to exempt online poker, skilled games and mahjong from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed by Congress last October.

Wexler sits on the House Financial Services panel. The news regarding his efforts has been warmly received by the online gambling industry as it signifies a greater interest among congressional members to carve out a special amendment dealing with so-called "skill" games, as opposed to games based solely on luck. Congress, it appears, is slowly warming up to the unabating desire among the general population to gamble over the Internet.

Josh Rogin, a spokesman for Wexler, is quoted as saying the proposed legislation "allows Americans to play poker on-line as they should have every right to do. You win or lose based on your ability. It is a deserving distinct."

Wexler's legislation comes a day prior to fellow Congressman Barney Frank's hearing on online gambling regulations. Frank, who is Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is supportive of Wexler's campaign, however he does not concur that any carve-outs should be part of the bill.

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