Election Results May Impact US Online Gambling

An overwhelming win by the Republican Party in the United States' midterm elections this week could have serious impacts on internet gambling within the country, as more politicians opposed to the act have been elected.

Currently two bills are sitting in the US House and Senate respectively, which would overturn the US Wire Act and effectively outlaw online betting in the country. The bill in the house is HR4301, and is supported by land casino owner Sheldon Adelson who pumped tons of money into Republican candidates and will likely press the politicians to see the bill passed.

According to the site PokerUpdate, the original list of 9 supporters of the bill has grown to 19, and more than half of those in support are members of the House Judiciary Committee, which can progress the bill to be debated before the entire House.

Current politicians who support HR4301 include:

Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO]

Franks, Trent [R-AZ]

Gabbard, Tulsi [D-HI]

Holding, George [R-NC]

Jordan, Jim [R-OH]

Lankford, James [R-OK]

Matheson, Jim [D-UT]

Smith, Lamar [R-TX]

Wolf, Frank [R-VA]

Dent, Charles [R-PA]

Rogers, Mike [R-MI]

Forbes, Randy [R-VA]

Gowdy, Trey [R-SC]

King, Steve [R-IA]

Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL]

Gohmert, Louie [R-TX]

Richmond, Cedric [D-LA]

Bachus, Spencer [R-AL]

To make matters worse, no states that have legalized online gambling are represented on the Judiciary Committee, increasing the odds that the bill can be progressed. Although the odds have indeed gone up, the likelhood of the bill being passed are actually quite low, as GovTrack gives the bill a 21% chance of passing through committee, and a 7% chance of being passed overall.

Casino Listings will update this story as more developments arise.