Though the U.S. still has yet to legalize online gambling, it is not for a lack of trying. Last year, Massachusetts representative Barney Frank put forth a plan that would have legalized and regulated online gambling across the U.S., only to see it defeated by the incoming wave of conservative politicians from this past midterm election. Yet with support from across the aisle, Frank has renewed his attempts and is determined to allow American gamers to play online roulette, poker and slots within the year.
Dubbed the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, the new bill was presented before Congress by Republican congressman John Campbell and representative Frank, and is remarkably similar to the bill posed to the 111th congress lat year.
The bill would largely overhaul the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which forbids financial institutions in the states from transferring money to or from international gambling websites or payment services.
Under the new laws, the government would begin regulating these transactions, opening up the country to gaming sites at home and abroad.
