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 As the fight for legalized online poker picks up steam across the country, the nation's capital is making a move of its own. Washington, D.C., recently passed legislation that would allow its residents to engage in real money online gaming, including poker and fantasy sports, as a part of a recent budget amendment. The bill easily passed with a vote of 11-2, but that hasn't stopped Republicans from expressing their outrage on the matter.
"Washington, DC should not be the mecca for gambling," says Jason Chaffetz of Utah, a ranking Republican on the area's subcommittee.
"You don't solve financial problems that way. I'm not sure how Congress will weigh in but I will make sure my colleagues know about this and I expect there will be a lot of resistance."
Chaffetz and his political allies primarily object to the manner in which the legislation was introduced. The Washington Times reported that Democratic City Council Michael Brown added the language at the last possible moment, thereby avoiding extended discussion.
"There is no foundation that has been laid to gain any broad support," states Chaffetz.
"It was slipped into a budget discussion in the middle of the night. That doesn't strike me as a good way to do business."
Brown however defends his actions saying that he and his colleagues have been working on the plan for several months and that he has no legal obligation to provide public notice for budget amendments.
For the moment, Poker advocates should contain their enthusiasm. Regardless of what the District of Columbia may dictate for their gaming market, the United States Congress will ultimately have the final say and their efforts could still be overturned. The Constitution allows Congress to overturn local laws if they deem them outside of national policy and Republicans have made it clear that they plan to exercise this right in the very near future.
As always, stay tuned to Casinofan for more news and updates.
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