Originally Posted by
abrown83
I would say it is fairly clear that if the money crosses state lines (playing a pot), the sites would be in violation of the law.
Until that is resolved there won't be any shared player pools.
The problem with your analysis is that it's incorrect. US courts have found that Congressional approval of an interstate compact is only necessary when the compact:
increases “the political power of influence” of the party states; or
encroaches “upon the full and free exercise of federal authority.”
Many interstate compacts are enacted without US Congressional approval.
Here is an excellent treatise on interstate compacting (pdf):
http://www.every-vote-equal.com/pdf/EVECh5new_web.pdf
If it is found that Congressional approval is required, it can be accomplished by a Joint Resolution rather than a bill. This still requires majority passage in both the House and Senate, and Presidential signature, but doesn't require the Committee process. The Resolution can just say that Congress approves the "Such-and-Such Interstate Compact" - it doesn't need to give any details of the compact terms.
International reciprocal agreements will probably require Congressional approval, but once again this can be accomplished by a Joint Resolution rather than a bill.