The Internet Poker Bill Introduced by Representative Joe Barton (H.R. 2366) Restricts States’ Rights to Determine the Types of Gambling that may Occur Within Their Borders

In June, 2011, U.S. Representative Joe Barton (R-TX) introduced legislation – H.R. 2366 (the “Bill”) – that would license and regulate operators facilitating the play of poker over the Internet by persons in the United States. More specifically, the Bill would authorize licensees to accept bets or wagers in connection with games of poker, provided the players were not located in states that had “opted out” – i.e., states that had provided notice that they would limit such bets or wagers. (more)