US Online Gambling Hearing Witness List Revealed

The witness list for a hearing regarding online gambling in the US Congress has been released, with some staunch anti-online gambling activists set to appear alongside online poker advocates.

The list of witnesses set to appear at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee of Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing set for next Tuesday include:

• Andy Abboud of Las Vegas Sands, who is set to share Sheldon Adelson's anti-online gambling stance.

• Texas Representative Joe Barton, who has introduced a bill that would legalize online poker.

• John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance, who is in favor of legalizing online poker.

• Stop Predatory Gambling National Director Les Bernal, who is against legalizing and regulating online gambling of any type.

• American Gaming Association CEO Geoff Freeman, who wants to see online poker legalized on a federal level.

• University of Massachusetts Professor Rachel Volberg, who holds anti-online gambling views.

• Chapman University Professor Kurt Eggert, who is an expert on the legalities of online gambling.

PPA CEO John Pappas spoke about his chance to address Congress on the issue of online gambling, saying: "I think I can respond from many different angles and feel I have the experience and knowledge to respond to our strongest critics. Hopefully I'll be able to do so in a way that resonates with members of the committee. We want to have substance submitted at this hearing, not necessarily sizzle."

Pappas went on to urge those in favor of online gambling to contact their local Congressmen to voice their support.

One thing we can do that no other group testifying can is deliver actual voters in their districts telling members to support this," Pappas said. "Players will be critical in helping members of Congress decide where they stand, and we need to show any members of Congress who may have or expect to receive political support from Adelson that voters back in the district disagree with his (negative) position."