[slothinator]

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I think the goal was to push all of the foreign poker sites out the US market. I have a feeling all of the major casinos in the US will have their own LEGAL poker sites later this year.

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This is wishful thinking IMO. I doubt clearing the way for US-based online poker was even a consideration.

Many of these politicians (and their conservative constituents) simply see online gambling (including poker) as much more insidious than B&M casinos, especially to children. As much as I'd like to look for other reasons behind this legislation, I think the most obvious reason - to stop online gambling - is the most likely one.

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The casino lobbyists are pretty strong. I have heard a few people mention that they were behind getting UIGEA off the ground in the first place. Appeasing conservatives and do-gooders is just a bonus. There is going to be a void, and a lot of money to be made. American casinos will be able to fill that void and make a lot of money. The government will be able to tax that money. You may be right, but I think there is a pretty good chance we will all be playing at Harrah's on-line in about 6 months.