Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) introduced H.R. 2888, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015 Thursday morning. The legislation licenses and regulates Internet poker and seeks to restore the rights of people to play the “all-American” game, while at the same time protecting them from fraud. H.R. 2888 also mandates the implementation of technology that prohibits underage players, provides aid for problem gamblers, and preserves state’s rights.

Rep. Barton issued the following statement about the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015:

“Poker is an all-American game. It’s a game that I learned as a teen and continue to play today. Just like millions of other players I enjoy the strategy and skill involved. I continue to be supportive of the Americans who play poker online.

“My bill is needed now more than ever. It creates one federal standard that protects the integrity of the game and the financial interests of players – while protecting American consumers from nefarious and predatory overseas gambling operations.

“Players deserve to have a legal, on-shore system that makes sure everyone is playing in an honest, fair structure. The complex web of state and local regulations now being devised could leave players at risk. I believe H.R. 2888, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2015, creates a federal standard and provides players proper protections. At the same time, it includes safeguards for children and problem gamblers.