Online Casino News and Gambling News

December 7, 2009 - Anti-UIGEA Bill Goes Off Successfully

A hearing took place on December 3 before the House Financial Services Committee for the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009 (also known as the anti-UIGEA bill). It would appear as if the hearing went off successfully and that it put the regulation of online gambling in a favorable position.

Barney Frank, sponsor of the anti-UIGEA bill and Chairman of the committee, stated in his opening speech that the Government should not tell adult Americans “what they should do with their own money, in their own time, on their own computer”. He stated further that there were a lot of things on the Internet that was not suitable for minors but by banning all these because of a few people abusing the system is a threat to individual liberty.

Parry Aftab of Wired Safety, an Internet safety and help group testified that there was technology available that was used in other internet based industries that could be adapted to online gambling so as to overcome underage gambling, money laundering, compulsive gambling, identity theft and fraud.

A Professor of Harvard University testified that a combination of regulation with education, technology and support would offer much better protection to online casino players.

A Representative of the Independent Community Bankers of America stated that it was impossible for the banking community to comply with the UIGEA rules especially since no clear definition of illegal online gambling exists. He stated that the banking industry firmly supports Frank’s bill.

The opponents of Internet Gambling insisted that the UIGEA be implemented as soon as possible.

Robert Martin, tribal chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in California claimed that legalizing online gambling would be detrimental to the gambling rights given to Indians. However, Barney Frank refuted his claim.

The hearing was closed with Barney Frank stating that another date would be set for next year by the House Financial Services Committee for debate and mark up.

 

 

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