Online poker to be on Obama’s radar? Issue is popular at change.gov

If you think incoming U.S. president Barack Obama has more important things to do other than worry about the legality of online poker in the United States, you’re probably right. But that doesn’t mean the issue will be ignored after he takes office next week.

Obama’s Web site while he is still president-elect, change.gov, has seen the issue of online poker become one of the hottest topics on the Web site in the “Citizen’s Briefing Book” section. People who register for the site can put forth ideas, and throw their support behind or against the issues raised on the site. Right now, making online poker legal is one of the top issues. The top ideas will be given to Obama once he takes office, the Web site promises.

You can see the top issues on the site here.

Here is the suggestion, as it appears at change.gov:

Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution. Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and Ameican players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated.

If you’re interested in helping it gain momentum, simply register and click “Vote Up” to show your support for the idea.

There is also a thread here where you can actually post and voice your opinion.