Frank Says Online Gambling Law Changing Process Begins Next Week

Representative Barney Frank said on Tuesday that he is finalizing a new Bill that, if approved, would overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The much anticipated Bill will be proposed next week.

"We'll be introducing it next week and I plan to move on it," said Frank, while speaking at the Reuters Global Financial Regulation Summit in Washington. The announcement comes as no surprise to those who have been following the online gambling saga in the US.

Back in 2006, the Republican-led Congress passed the UIGEA. It's purpose was supposed to be to make Internet gambling illegal. The law has caused more controversy than good in the years since its inception.

Online gambling has actually grown since the UIGEA was put in place, a clear sign that the law has not been effective. Frank saw the problems with the UIGEA immediately, and has already tried to have it overturned.

His previous effort was unsuccessful, but Frank believes that this time around with a largely Democratic Congress, his talking points will be considered.

Frank believes that people in the US should have the right to gamble online just like they have the right to do so in a casino. He feels that Internet freedoms are being compromised by the UIGEA, and is hoping his fellow lawmakers feel the same way this time around.

The current economic crisis has caused Frank to delay the new legislation. It was expected that the Bill would have been proposed by the end of April, but now the online gambling industry will have to wait at least one more week.

April 29, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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