Anti-UIGEA Bill Introduced Again

March 25, 2011 | News Category: Gaming Law

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During the time of the 112th Congress, the online gambling bill HR 2267 did not reach the point of a discussion, or a vote on the House floor. The anti-UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) has now been introduced as a new bill for the 112th Congress.

Barney Frank, the author of this online gambling bill was criticized in the past year for not helping the bill to move along quickly enough. Many have felt that Barney Frank had had the opportunity to push the bill earlier on, and chose not to. It seemed somewhat that he had abandoned his own online gambling bill. However, the re-introduction of the online gambling bill is a positive move for the online gambling world in the United States.

Congressman John Campbell with leading sponsor, Barney Frank introduced The Internet Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act. Other sponsors included Congressman Peter King, and Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

The key player in this online gambling bill, Barney Frank, said: "I'm pleased to be working with John Campbell as a co-sponsor of the bill. We worked together last year and I think this promises to be one of those unfortunately rare times when bipartisan activity can work."

Campbell commented on the fact that even though the UIGEA is in place, online gambling is still taking place in the United States. He said: "Clearly Americans want to gamble on the Internet, and policy makers need to provide both the freedom to do so, as well as ensure that appropriate consumer protections are in place."

The online gambling bill calls for the legalization and regulation of online gambling. Online gambling sites would need to be licensed, and those sites, be they online casinos, or online poker rooms, would need to take the necessary steps to do all they can to prevent fraud, and also money laundering. The licensed online gambling sites would also be responsible to ensure that there are safeguards that would help to prevent those with gambling addictions from wagering, and that underage gamblers would not be prevented from playing. These preventative measures would include ensuring that advertising is not aimed at gambling addicts and those who are underage.

A statement from the PPA (Poker Players Alliance) showed their support of this online gambling bill: "The time is now for Congress to step up and pass federal legislation, like the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, that allows the entire country to benefit."

An interesting change in the House Financial Services Committee is that the chairman is currently Spencer Bachus, who is particularly outspoken in his fight against legalizing online gambling. Barney Frank was the chairman of this committee in the previous Congress.

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