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[OR] Response from Sen. Gordon Smith (07/07/08) - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: [OR] Response from Sen. Gordon Smith (07/07/08)

Thank you for contacting me regarding the legal status of online poker. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me and welcome this opportunity to respond. I noted your concern that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) may have had a chilling effect on the accessibility of Internet poker in our country. This legislation, signed by the President in October, 2006, prohibits gambling businesses from accepting checks, credit card charges, electronic transfers, and similar payments in connection with Internet gambling. As I consider proposals to regulate online gambling, I believe that there are a few important objectives that federal policy must achieve. Congress must pass laws that adequately block access by children to gambling sites and create effective safeguards against fraud, money laundering, and evasion of state gambling laws. However, it is equally important to ensure that policymakers do not inadvertently create obstacles to legal pastimes. Currently there is a bill before the House of representatives, the Skill Game Protection Act (HR 2610), that would clearly exempt poker from the prohibitions set forth by the UIGEA. Should this or similar legislation come before the full Senate for consideration, please rest assured that I will keep your comments in mind. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. If I can be helpful to you in any way in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Warm regards, Gordon H. Smith United States Senate