[westmt01]

I think it's way too early to know what impact this is going to have on the poker industry as a whole, but I doubt the B&Ms are drooling right now. Before the poker craze, B&M poker rooms weren't full to the brim with tourists - in fact, most casinos didn't even have one. If (I'm saying "IF", I'm not saying this is going to happen) this law does succeed in stopping U.S. players from playing online, it's going to mean the end of the poker craze for the most part. That won't mean there won't be people playing poker in B&Ms, just not as many.

I just don't think less people playing online is going to translate into more people playing live. Which is why I wouldn't be surprised if the powerful Vegas lobby does gt more involved at some point. The best outcome would be if the gov't decides to regulate the industry. This new law is simply a function of the Republican party trying to score points with conservative voters in the face of possibly losing control of Congress. After the election the climate may be more amenable to a more rational solution (regulation).

All just IMHO, of course.