Hi Guys: I got inspired after getting unplugged as an American player on Black Friday and I wrote an article about where we are now. I'd love anyone's opinion:

http://pokerplyr.com/2011/06/poker-p...e-of-the-free/

This is a good article. I read most of the other ones you cited and watched some videos too. Have you heard anything about the regulation legislation in the House? I heard a rumour it could take YEARS to get it passed because it has to be approved by the (I may have his job title slightly botched) Financial Services Commitee head Spencer Bacus (R) who hates all gambling and thinks it's addictive.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bes...iref=allsearch

Thanks poker92 for the comment--appreciate it.

As for the House bill, I wrote the article below about it but other than the two Reps. talking about it at the PPA press conference, I don't believe there's been any action yet. None of the bill sponsors hold any top committee spots or such that could get it moving quickly.

You are correct that it will need to be passed by the House Committee on Financial Services before it even makes it to the floor of the full House. And the bad news is that poker-friendly Barney Frank (D-Mass.) who previously chaired the committee was replaced when the Republicans gained a majority in the House last Fall with poker UNfriendly Spencer Bachus (R-Ala). This is certainly one of the biggest hurdles to start with.

Also, given the Prez election year upcoming, Republicans in particular and prob also Dems will not want to touch legislation prior to 2013. It may get a start in committees and pick up some more co-sponsors but it likely won't get considered in the full Congress before then.

What could have a chance to change that would be alot of pressure from voters combined with lobbying by American casino co's who could benefit (e.g. Caesars Entertainment). If that happens, it is not impossible that it could be inserted into some other bill which could allow it to bypass committees if some powerful Members of Congress get behind it.

http://pokerplyr.com/2011/05/glimmer-of-hope-in-u-s/

I am very depressed over this. Black Friday happened to be my birthday, but more importantly, this is what I was going to do with my life and I feel like it was ripped from me before I even got a chance to try it. I can't even imagine what it must be like to have had perhaps thousands tied-up in online poker accounts.