[OldNantucker]

First, i believe future legislation can be influenced in favor of online poker if banks (not wanting to police how people spend money) & casinos (can make tons of $) have a vested interest. In addition, while I am cynical about politics, I have faith that an angry, organized group of poker players who has been unfairly screwed by the govt. can fight back (see Wexler, Frank bills).

Second, even with the worst case scenario of strict regulations, there will be ways to get $ in and out for dedicated players. The problem will be that casual, recreational players may not want to jump through hoops and it will be hard to attract new players so the games will get worse and worse.

My personal opinion is that the regs will not have any significant impact on the status quo.