[TheMightyJim2k]

Barney Frank is introducing a Bill to repeal the UIGEA and making internet gambling legal and regulated in the US. This is going to be tough one to get through since there are a lot of Conservatives and weak Dems that won't want to ruffle feathers by passing the bill.

This bill needs your support. If everyone that plays online just called or emailed their rep the show of support would be tremendous and could seriously sway the vote. Even if it doesn't pass this time it is important that the bill be taken seriously so that it has a chance a second time.

If you have friends that used to play but quit, let them know about this. Online poker is not illegal, but lets make it regulated so we have safe payment processors that are accountable, and easy access to all of the sites.

here is the link to the article about the bill:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press...ss042607.shtml

here are links for contacting reps:
http://www.house.gov/writerep/

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

take 5 minutes out of your day.

Thanks!

TMJ2k

[sunderB]

Thank you for the Link. I have just sent a letter to each of my congessmen, and I ebcourage everyone else to do the same. It only took me a few minutes.

[Colquhoun]

Thanks for the link MightyJim2K.
Lord knows this is good for poker if this can happen...but I am so frustrated with those that are supposed to be representing us not listening and voting against the vast majority of what the people want. Not trying to be a killjoy here, just venting while still hopeful....but certainly not holding my breath.

[TheMightyJim2k]

bumping for the afternoon crowd

[guitarizt]

Someone on 2+2 told me about this just last night. Everyone contact your rep!!

[the3rd]

I went one better. I helped vote out one of the big supporters of the bill in November.

[Slim7]

I was going to start a thread on this as well! There is also an online petition you can sign as well. Here is the link http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takea...ltl=1177341828

Hope it works. you can also get there through pokerpages.

[dinghovery]

OK so we can do both - the letters to congress and the petitions

Should we sign our real or CT name?

[FoscoBurrows]

There is hope after all...

Big thanks to MightyJim for posting this. Lets get crackin'!

[sunderB]

Very disappointing response from my senator below. Some just don't get it!

Dear Mr. sunderB:

Thank you for your message regarding Internet gambling. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

The debate over Internet gambling has generated strong public interest. While most types of Internet gambling operations are prohibited under federal law, many Internet gambling operations are based in foreign countries and have fallen outside the jurisdiction of American enforcement agencies. Overall, Americans spend roughly $4 billion to $6 billion a year on Internet gambling. Because of the largely unregulated nature of this business, Internet gambling sites often fail to block access to gambling by children and often lack effective safeguards against fraud. Further, Internet gambling can be addictive, and this addiction has had a harmful effect on some individuals and communities.

In September 2006, the Senate passed the SAFE Port Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954) by unanimous consent. This legislation contained numerous important provisions that would improve the security of our nation's ports. It also included language added to the measure late in the process to enhance the prohibition on unlawful Internet gambling. The provision bars those who are in the business of gambling from knowingly accepting credit cards, checks, electronic fund transfers or similar financial instruments in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. The Act imposes fines and/or prison sentences on violators. The legislation further requires the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board to issue regulations directing banks and other financial transaction providers to adopt practices that will enable them to identify and prevent restricted transactions that support Internet gambling.

The SAFE Port Act of 2006, and its strong measures to prevent unlawful Internet gambling, passed the Senate with my support. At the same time, it is important that the relevant federal agencies work in conjunction with law-abiding financial transaction providers when crafting the regulations required by the SAFE Port Act. We can and should effectively target unlawful gambling transactions without imposing unrealistic or overly burdensome requirements on law-abiding financial transaction providers.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to stay in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

RJD/jk

P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.