[fnord_too]

I don't think it would have easily passed on its own. I tend to doubt it would have even made it out of the starting gate since it really is such a minor item (that is, I don't think anyone would have really cared enough about it to push it up to the floor).

The reason I don't think it would have passed easily is because there are a large number of voters who would have phoned and written in against it, and I think there are a number of republicans who actually don't see merit in this, though I could be wrong.

At any rate, I am still waiting to see what it actually does. I am not in the alarmist camp. I would hope that the major poker sites would be working hard on a protocol to ensure minors don't gamble and taxes can be collected in the US. Perhaps a gaming fee and monies deposited in person (which is not as cumbersome as it sounds, just set up arrangements with the big check cashing chains would probably work).

I think if the industry can present a plan that protects minors from gambling and shows how the government will garner tax revenue, they are almost home. Especially if the current law proves to be ineffective, and/or if sates still have sway over the issue (i.e. if a state could legalize internet gambling, and presumably garner some revenue from it, then it could easily happen I think).

Oh well, I am not a poly sci type guy but a bit of an optomist, so I am probably just spewing nonsense. Seems to me that there are plenty of ways things can work themselves out favorably.