I have not yet read the entire text of the new statute. However, technically the 'friendly' bets that we do on line are already illegal. I am unaware of any such bets ever having been prosecuted, why would they bother. It is a crime to use interstate communications lines to bet, and has been for decades. If I were to bet a drink with someone here or by phone, it could be prosecutable by the appropriate US attorney. They have neither the resources (time people or money), nor the interest in such heinous violations of law.

As to the local issues, if a person enters an office pool, this is a state by state issue (I can tell you that both Illinois and Indiana such a pool would be illegal, and if it is kept reasonable, nobody cares). Local poker games for charity or otherwise, it is also covered by State law. The old or new federal laws have no application here.

Excuse me while I free this hook from my lip.