On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee, chaired by Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), held a hearing to debate the merits of Chaffetz’s Restoring America’s Wire Act, or RAWA. The bill, at the behest of Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson, would ban internet gambling in the US, including in states where it’s already regulated. Read a recap of the hearing here.
The Poker Players Alliance(PPA) was in attendance at the hearing and its Executive Director, John Pappas, commented in a press release, “Let’s be honest, today’s OGR hearing is taking place to fulfill the wishes of Sheldon Adelson, not because of any law enforcement implications or concerns. In fact, if OGR Chairman Jason Chaffetz succeeds in his effort to impose a ban on online gaming, he will further encourage the growth of the underground, unregulated industry and make it impossible for law enforcement to control it.”
Pappas suggested, “He should be focused on fostering the success of existing regulation, which has created transparent and accountable markets in three US states.” New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware all have some form of regulated online gambling, while states like Georgia stand to lose their online lottery if RAWA passes.
Pappas added, “Federal law enforcement agencies have wisely expressed concern over unregulated and illegal online gaming and have not issued any complaints over the established online gaming markets in New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, as they have proven to be a safe and effective way to protect consumers and eliminate fraudulent activity. Prohibition does not work in the US and arguments that an unregulated online gaming market is better for Americans and law enforcement are severely misguided.”
The hearing, which largely made a mockery of the American legislative system, featured Republican lawmakers turning against Chaffetz by arguing that RAWA violates the Tenth Amendment. In fact, Jody Hice (R-GA) said the bill “flies right in the face” of the US Constitution.
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