DOJ responses to House Committee questions

[MiltonFriedman]

A couple of posts have related that there was an exchange between one or more Committee members abd the DOJ spokesperson, Ms. Hanaway, to the effect that she specifically admitted something about betting on the Internet not being an illegal activity for persons under federal law.

That would be a priceless piece of testimony or answer. however, I have not found it in the video clips I have looked at.

Does anyone have a link or a transcript of that exchange ?

Similarly, anything specifically addressed in her answers with respect to poker ?

Thanks.

(Great job, PPA, Annie Duke.)

[oldbookguy]

At the 2:30 mark in this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTvd8hwjGVo

note, she had to be asked twice, first time she avoided that part of a two part question.

obg

[MiltonFriedman]

Thanks.

So, if it is not illegal for a poker player under Federal law to gamble on the Internet, and poker sites do not "bet or wager", how is someone engaged in "illegal" Internet gambling, under any law at the Federal level ... thereby triggering the UIGEA ?

(Leaving aside for now the issue of whether a player or site can ever violate a State law.)(Also leaving aside whether a State law can regulate or prohibit International commerce or trade between a US citizen and a foreign company.)

[JPFisher55]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks.

So, if it is not illegal for a poker player under Federal law to gamble on the Internet, and poker sites do not "bet or wager", how is someone engaged in "illegal" Internet gambling, under any law at the Federal level ... thereby triggering the UIGEA ?

(Leaving aside for now the issue of whether a player or site can ever violate a State law.)(Also leaving aside whether a State law can regulate or prohibit International commerce or trade between a US citizen and a foreign company.)

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, Milton, another reason why the DOJ has never prosecuted an online poker site, affiliate, Epassporte or pro player touting a site. Too bad no one asked Ms. Hanaway if the DOJ ever prosecuted any entity for operating an online poker site. But she probably would said that online poker was part of the BetOnSports case.

[catlover]

This is very interesting. It is a shame that no one asked her whether it is legal to run an internet poker operation that does not involve any other form of gambling.