Language supporting the controversial Restore America’s Wire Act bill—which would ban online gaming in the U.S.—was removed from a House appropriations bill after objections from groups such as the Poker Players Alliance.
The language supporting a ban on online gambling was proposed as an amendment to the appropriations bill by Pennsylvania congressman Charlie Dent. The amendment was similar to language inserted into the Senate’s appropriations bill by Senator Lindsey Graham.
Dent was a co-author of the Unlawful Internet gaming Act, passed in 2006. The amendments are seen as a “backdoor” attempt to revive the RAWA legislation, which has stalled in Congress.
However, the House amendment drew opposition and Dent ended up withdrawing it. Since the final appropriations bill must be passed by both Houses of Congress, the withdrawal essentially kills the amendment.
“We win. RAWA loses. Thank you for taking action to defeat this effort,” the Poker Players Alliance said in a press release.
Though he withdrew the amendment, Dent said he still wants Congress to continue considering prohibiting online casino games, even as his home state considers legislation to legalize online gambling.
The RAWA bill is seen as being pushed by billionaire and Las Vegas Sands owner, Sheldon Adelson, who has bankrolled lobbying efforts for the bill. However, the bill has gained little traction in Congress with opponents saying it tramples state rights and smacks of political cronyism, as Adelson is a major Republican donor.
