Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D – Mass., announced that he will introduce the Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (HR 2046) as a standalone bill before the end of April. If passed, the bill could overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which prohibits U.S. financial institutions from processing payments to online-gaming operators.
Frank’s bill would regulate and tax online gaming, including wagers made with online casinos, poker rooms and bookmakers. Pro-gaming advocates argue that regulation is the only effective way to protect minors and problem gamblers from online gaming. They also point out that regulating the industry could generate an estimated $50 billion in tax revenue over the next decade.
Some critics contend that introducing HR 2046 as a standalone bill will undermine Frank’s ability to get it passed. Frank defended his decision Wednesday, saying he wants the bill to inspire debate.
Frank called the Republican-dominated 106th Congress “inappropriate” for attaching the UIGEA to the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006.
“(Attaching HR 2046 to another bill) is not my intention. It would be a mistake. I want to do this with hearings, discussions and votes,” Frank told political-news magazine The Hill.
Frank went on to say that he intends to introduce the bill when the 109th Congress returns from Easter break on April 20, 2009.
phill.provance@gamblingplanet.org
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