NFL ends opposition to Online Gambling

Posted by Steve Ruddock on Aug 10, 2010 Posted in Legal Poker News | No Comments »

One of the biggest opponents of any type of online gambling legislation making its way through Congress has now stepped aside. The NFL has decided to end its opposition to HR 2267, The Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, thanks to an amendment added during the markup process by Peter King (R-NY) that expressly forbids any licensed Internet gaming site from offering sports-betting to its customers.

The NFL, and other professional sports leagues, has long had concerns about the integrity of their games, should sports-betting avenues expand, especially to overseas companies.

In an E-Mail exchange with PokerNews.com, Brian McCarthy, a vice president of communications for the NFL stated: “We don’t oppose it since it now includes the language we had hoped for…The amended language adequately addressed our specific concern. We are pleased with the outcome.”

Poker legislation is now riding a huge wave: First the House Financial Services Committee passed HR 2267by a 41-22 bipartisan vote, and now a major opponent has removed their roadblocks possibly paving the way for a legal and regulated online poker industry in the United States.

There is no word yet on how this amendment might affect sites like Party Gaming, Bodog or Online Bookmaker from receiving a license, or whether they will have to part ways with their sports-books, which might not be economically feasible for them.

Although if you decide to sign up to Bookmaker make sure you use a Bookmaker Bonus Code to recieve a great bonus when signing up or depositing.