"With some members of Congress looking for ways to bring in extra tax revenues and casino moguls like Donald Trump calling for the legalization of internet gambling, a U.S. House panel today convenes a hearing about online gaming - and whether it's a "sure bet."

"The purpose of this hearing is to examine the status of Internet gaming in the United States and to consider how consumers and other stakeholders would be affected if current legal restrictions were eased," read a briefing memo sent to members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The witnesses include those for and against the idea of opening up the spigot on internet gambling in the United States, with everything from the Poker Players Alliance to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

"Legalization of Internet gaming is a controversial policy issue that must be carefully examined," said Ernest Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.

In other words, the casinos run by Native Americans could see some of their profits slide away if people can just go online and gamble."

Get the Story:
Jamie Dupree's Washington Insider: Rolling the Congressional Dice (The Atlanta Journal Constitution 10/25)

Committee Notice:
Internet Gaming: Is There a Safe Bet? (October 25, 2011)