We’ve got some advice for anyone who was hoping to see Congress pass the Reid-Kyl online poker bill anytime soon: don’t hold your breath.
Thanks to political infighting and some serious flaws in the draft versions of the bill, no one involved is feeling bullish about its chances of becoming law in the near future. But don’t take our word for it. When asked recently about the status of Reid-Kyl, Reid had this to say:
…we don’t have a path forward right now, but we’re working..
The bill’s co-sponsor, Jon Kyl, R-Ariz (who is leaving office at the end of this term) gave this very politician-like answer when asked the same question:
I am not saying that it’s parochial or special legislation, but it’s not sequestration and the fiscal cliff and defense bill and all that, so it would be hard…(but) don’t infer from that I wouldn’t like to see something done.
In case that wasn’t clear, he’s saying Congress won’t be taking up the issue any time soon.
The implications of further Reid-Kyl delays vary depending on who you talk to. Any delay is bad news for big gaming companies who’d rather obey one set of Federal laws over a patchwork of state poker laws.
On the other side of the coin delays give small local casinos and Indian tribes a chance to dig in the online poker market before the big boys get involved.
There’s a small chance the bill could be introduced during the upcoming lame duck session of Congress, but it likely lacks the support needed to pass.