No one could claim that the path towards regulated online poker in American has been an easy one. Various powerful figures have been lending their weight to laws that would combat the UIGEA, but none have proved successful. However, the winds are changing in Washington and another push for legal online poker is underway.

The House of Representatives has discussed online poker a number of times, with bigwig Barney Frank a consistent instigator of debate. The Senate, on the other hand, have not formally covered the issue since 2006.

That’s all changed this week, with a hearing having been held to discuss the issue. It was entitled ‘Future of Internet Gaming: What’s at Stake for Tribes?’ and took place on November 17th. It concerned how the existing online gambling marketplace is affective Native American groups and what a regulated market might mean for them. It was designed to consider not only poker, but games like real money slots.

It’s almost traditional in the U.S. for Indians to run casinos and many are understandably concerned about the impact of online gambling on their lifestyles. The hearing was called to consider how the influx of offshore providers like the titan poker download and the recent DoJ action impacts on the livelihoods of the Tribes. The speakers and discussions are expected to continue today.

Among those speaking were Poker Players Alliance Chairman, Alfonse D’Amato. The long time poker proponent is no stranger to the seat of power, having served as a Senator himself. He was called to act as an expert witness. PPA Executive Director, John Pappas, commented that, “even though the subject matter may be limited to how this impacts Indian tribes, the PPA being able to testify will insert the positive reasons for consumers into the discussion.”

This is the not the only hearing that D’Amato has been present at in the last few months. An earlier hearing, entitled ‘Internet Gaming: is there a Safe Bet?’, also featured FairPlayUSA Chairwoman, Parry Aftab and National Indian Gaming Association Chairman, Ernest Stevens. Proceedings took place in the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which means that both houses on Capitol Hill have considered online poker in recent times.

“It’s encouraging that the House subcommittee is acting so quickly,” said John Pappas. “They could have punted to after Thanksgiving, but they chose to tackle it before the break.”

Online poker legislation appears to be picking up steam again and players around the world will be hoping for a regulated market to open up in the U.S. Meanwhile, online video poker fans will also be hoping that any legislation that passes does not exclude non-poker games.