Friday, April 27, 2007

Bill to License Online Gambling Introduced

Yesterday morning, Rep. Barney Frank introduced legislation in the House that calls for online gambling to be licensed and regulated in America.
This bill goes directly against the intent of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that was passed late last year, which forced many online sites and online gambling-related businesses to cut off customers located in the U.S. The UIGE Act was snuck into a must-pass bill designed to increase the security of the nation's ports at the twelfth hour.
Frank has been an outspoken opponent to the UIGE Act. He believes that the UIGE Act tramples individual freedom.
“The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone,” Frank said.
The Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing entitled “Can Internet gambling be regulated to protect consumers and the payments system?” at a date to be determined in June.
I'll keep my fingers crossed but won't bet on it passing.

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