The link below is a good editorial regarding online poker in the United States.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik19-2009oct19,0,1924643.column

The article points out the flaws in current policy, and has comments from respected gambling-law expert Joseph M. Kelly (whom I met several years ago at a conference and found to be approachable, knowledgeable and passionate about his field).