No one could have foreseen the Internet in 1961. And yet, that year an act was passed to prevent organized crime from taking sports bets over the telephone. Now, nearly 60 years later people wonder if the Wire Act will always be a roadblock to interstate online gambling in America.

Whether the Act applies to all forms of gambling (or only sports betting) is currently the subject of a court in the First Circuit. But even ignoring the potential broader ramifications, the antiquated law has already proven itself detrimental to the sector’s growth. So what are the chances of getting rid of the Wire Act’s constraints entirely?

Florida State University sports law professor Ryan Rodenberg says Congress will “more than likely” take a look at the Wire Act in the next four years, via a draft bill or perhaps even a hearing.

There are, however, some who believe Congress has bigger fish to fry. The fight to be rid of Wire Act constraints might instead be fought with the Department of Justice and its appetite for enforcement. James Trusty, an attorney with Ifrah Law, thinks Attorney General William Barr may be open to negotiations.

You can read more about interstate online gambling and the Wire Act at Online Poker Report.