For proponents of online gaming in the United States, the one thorn in the side so to speak is the RAWA legislation. The Restoration of America’s Wire Act is the method the opponents of online poker and casino gaming are trying to pass to eliminate the option across the US. If the legislation was approved, all forms of online gaming would be banned from taking place in the United States. There are discussions as to making carve outs but poker and casino gaming will not be included.
Earlier this week, it was announced by John Pappas, the Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance and strong supporter of online poker, that a hearing was back on the table as a hearing is scheduled for December. On Twitter, Pappas stated:
“The on again, off again iGaming hearing in Congress is now on again. OGR Comm chaired by Chaffetz expected to push RAWA on December 9th-jp.” It is believed that Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas Sands mogul is backing Representative Jason Chaffetz to help push the measure to be passed. Both keep pushing the bill despite individuals from both sides of the political spectrum showing this disdain of the bill.
The issue with the bill, despite knocking out the online gaming industry to nothing, the states that currently offers online gaming would be hurt as well. Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware would lose the option to offer online gaming which is earning the states revenues which can be used in several ways, such as community programs and education.
In most opinions, Chaffetz is being viewed as power hungry who tried to run for the United States Speaker of the House but has since decided to drop his bid for this position. He seems to have demonstrated his misunderstanding of the rights of each state in regards to social and gambling issues. He continues to show how he does not understand the technical aspects when it comes to online gaming including how effective ID verification and geolocation systems are used.
Chaffetz currently holds the position as the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and has the option to schedule hearings on specific topics, RAWA being included. RAWA does not seem to have a chance to pass but Chaffetz has it within his power to host a hearing on the subject, which essentially puts the legislation back in the limelight.
Insiders of the gaming industry believe the hearing will be a repeat of the one held in March in the House when RAWA and online gambling was discussed. This hearing was also set up by Chaffetz and had witnesses lined up who seemed to have their pockets lined with Sheldon Adelson’s money. Witnesses did not seem to want to discuss the positive aspects of online gaming as it has been taking place in the US but rather any issues that may have arisen or what they think will take place with the gaming option.
The scheduling of the December is tentative so there are a few weeks to see if the hearing will take place on the subject of RAWA. It is not uncommon for a hearing to be rescheduled or canceled from the books. Just a few days ago, Chaffetz and the CSIG radical group hosted a press conference where barely any outlets appeared to listen to what the proceedings would be about. It seems that the opponents of online gaming will not give up their fight and are being considered laughable or painful as they continue to try and have their point heard and legislation passed on the subject.