H.R. 6663, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Clarification and Implementation Act (UIGECIA) is a new bill introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) which attempts to fix the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) by finally defining it's scope.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by three democrats including Marion Berry (AR), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Bill Delahunt (MA), clearly states that the UIGEA is intended primarily for sportsbooks and online sportsbetting.

The language of H.R. 6663 may conceivably help get sites like PartyPoker, PokerRoom, and Titan Poker back in the US, as it clarifies that the UIGEA is not to target any type of gaming which doesn't have "authoritative court decisions" proving it's illegality. However, despite this seemingly good news, the Poker Players Alliance and others in the poker community are upset with the UIGECIA due to what it seems to imply in it's language.

"...While we agree with several findings in the bill that correctly identify the illegality of sports wagering, the PPA remains concerned with the implication H.R. 6663 asserts in that the [UIGEA] has made Internet poker an unlawful activity that needs special protection from prosecution." -PPA Chairman D'Amato on Introduction of H.R. 6663, August 1, 2021

According to the PPA, the UIGECIA fails in its mission to clarify the UIGEA and potentially makes things even murkier. The bill does nothing to define "unlawful internet gambling" and worse yet seems to imply that current online poker players are somehow breaking the law. For these reasons the PPA has decided against endorsing H.R. 6663, despite considering Rep. Sessions "a good friend to poker players."

For story in it's entirety, please visit the Independent Online Poker Authority, PokerNews.com