In case you missed it, on Tuesday the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee held a hearing on online poker legislation in the United States. A list of witnesses included representatives from a variety of mostly pro-legislation organizations including FairPlayUSA and the PPA.

The panel also included representatives for various organizations arguing for customer protection: safeguards for problem and underage gamblers and ensuring fairness of games and protection again unregulated operators. The lone opponent of legislation, Ernest Stevens, representing the National Indian Gaming Association, opposes legislation due to a concern on the effects of U.S. American Indian tribal gaming.

The 2 hour plus hearing has been posted on CSPAN. Once directed to the page, navigate to the "Hearing on Online Gaming" link on the right.

Having seen a lot of these hearings over the years, it was refreshing that the panel testimony focused on making online poker work instead of discussing why it must be stopped. It appears that an increasing number of policy makers are realizing what proponents have been arguing for years: online poker is here to stay and must be regulated and taxed.

Summaries on the Hearing:

Pokerfuse's Summary of the Testimony
The Hill - Online Gambling Finds Support in the House
PPA Statement on Hearings

Chairwoman of the committee, Rep. Mary Bono Mack, says she plans to hold another hearing on online poker soon but that "to rush [legislation] would be a mistake." Bono Mack suggested that there is just too little time for online poker to be part of the $1.2 trillion deficit reduction package that faces a November 23rd deadline. Proponents of online poker regulation have cited the deficit reduction package as an ideal vehicle for passing legislation this year.

If you support the efforts in the U.S. to regulate online poker, the PPA is recommend you throw your support behind H.R. 2366. The PPA has outlined an action plan where you can do your part in a variety of ways, such as contacting your representatives and getting the word out about the crucial need for regulation.