A strong recent trend threatens internet poker. Italy has limited its citizens to Italian-only networks; Austria limits its citizens to Austrian networks. France and Switzerland have similar plans. Canada seems to be joining the party as well. Additionally, state monopolies have official support from the EU. If the US legalizes online poker, they will likely choose a similar route.
If smaller countries, like Austria, insist on national networks, it can almost guarantee there will be less profit for professional poker players from that country. France is considering a 4% rake on every pot, uncapped. I don't think a professional poker player can survive that kind of rake.
Ultimately, supporting measures that lead to national poker networks are -EV and may potentially kill the profitability of the game.
Update: International network 888.com (Pacific Poker) signs Harrah's Entertainment. Now, the legalization of U.S. poker will certainly result in at least one international network.
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