Wexler Aiming for Poker Exemption

Florida Congressman Robert Wexler has introduced a bill into the House of Representatives that would carve out poker, mahjong, chess, and other skill-based games from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that became law in 2006.  Wexler’s bill joins Congressman Barney Frank’s recent bill in trying to allow Americans to “…play poker online as they should have every right to do.”

Wexler believes, as most poker players do, that poker is a game in which “You win and lose based on your ability,” something that separates it from other forms of gambling such as lotteries and casino games like slots and blackjack.  Some websites, such as Yahoo.com, allow Americans to play skill games for real money.

While Barney Frank prefers regulation and taxation of all Internet gambling, as opposed to exemptions for certain games, he does support Wexler’s bill.  Wexler is a co-sponsor of Frank’s legislation.