With the legalization of poker gaining steam around the world, it looks as though America may soon be jumping on the regulation bandwagon. The bad news? Both parties on the divided Financial Services Committee seem to have agreed on an amendment which, if included, would bar companies who are currently believe to be in violation of US law from obtaining a license.

This addition, known as HR 2267, has raised eyebrows around the poker community. While it sounds good in principle, one must realize that nearly every one of the current crop of poker sites which allow American players are thought to have been in violation at one point or another. Whether or not the accusations of wrongdoings are true, their very existence could cause problems for the current gaming giants.

Though many suspected that sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt would be denied licenses if and when government regulation came to be, the former site has publicly endorsed the bill.

“PokerStars maintains its strong support for H.R. 2267 and encourages the full House and ultimately the Senate to move quickly to secure passage during current Congressional term,” says Paul Telford, General Counsel for PokerStars. “PokerStars, a pioneer in operating online poker under stringent regulatory frameworks, looks forward to working with incumbent and new operators in promoting a safe and healthy online poker industry in the United States, as it currently does under similar licensing models in Italy and France.”

In a recent press release, the Poker Players Alliance concurred with the findings of the PokerStars legal team:

“To be clear, despite the concerns of some of our members, nothing in the Committee-passed legislation precludes lawful Internet poker-only operators whom US players know and trust today from the opportunity to operate under a regulated system.”

While PokerStars may be in the clear once licensing time rolls around, many believe that they will not be the first in line. Preference may be given to companies based in the US, who are seen as known quantities by the government. Harrah’s Entertainment’s name has been bandied about as one of the most prepared parties, after launching several new gaming sites in an effort to create an internet foothold.

Translation? Even if sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt come up for licensing, American players may be forced to endure government-approved facsimiles of their favorite sites for a while. One way or another, however, this should be seen as a positive step forward. It’ll be interesting to see how this legislation develops.