I think this is a lost cause and all, but who really knows.

Internet Poker Laws

Supporters of online poker fanned out on Capitol Hill Wednesday trying to convince lawmakers to rewrite a federal restriction on Internet gambling.

A lobby group that includes several of the game's biggest champions is trying to convince Congress that poker is a game of skill, not chance, and it should be regulated instead of prohibited.

While some lawmakers are concerned about reaching into America's living rooms to shut off computer gaming, others are concerned about shutting down what could become a billion-dollar source of taxes.

"You know, seventy, 80 million people in America like to play poker, and they should have the right to do it on the Internet, if they want," said Howard Lederer of the Poker Players Alliance.

Supporters are trying to get Congress to change an anti-gambling law that passed last year when Republicans were in charge.

Democrats now in control of the House and Senate are open to the idea.

"We think we may be able to turn this thing around," said Michigan Representative John Conyers.

The lobbying effort was led by a couple of the game's most recognizable faces, including Chris Ferguson.

"People have the right to play in casinos. They have the right to play at home. People have the right to smoke. People have the right to drink," Ferguson said.

Poker champion Annie Duke agreed.

"You know, the last time I checked, the Constitution is supposed to protect your right to do what you want in the privacy of your own home when you're not hurting anybody."

The other side isn't ready to fold.

"If you legalize it, it just means more people will gamble, more become addicted. That's been the case with every kind of gambling in every community, in every state," warned Dr. Guy Clark of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling.

Nevada Representative Shelley Berkley wasn't impressed with that argument.

"Somebody wants to bet online, well God bless, 'em, this is America, they have every right to do it," she said.

The Poker Players Alliance says it has more than 800-thousand members and warns that if lawmakers won't listen, they'll vote for someone who will.