US Congress to Consider Reversing Online Gambling Ban
Last week, the much-awaited bill by Rep. Barry Frank was finally made official. This bill calls for the reversal of the current stance on internet gambling in the United States. Right now, a law known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) makes it difficult for US players to enjoy online casinos and other online gambling websites. Frank has been working for months to get the US government to change their minds about the law.
Frank’s new bill is called the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection & Enforcement Act of 2009. Essentially, it would overturn the UIGEA, and allow licensed companies to offer gambling services over the internet to players in the US. Frank is a firm believer in the idea that players should be able to make their own decisions about how they spend their money, and insists that the US government has no right to interfere.
The ban on internet gambling in the US is about 3 years old now, and it has met major opposition since it was put into effect. Because of these laws, some online gambling companies like Microgaming have completely abandoned the US market. But in spite of the UIGEA, US players have persevered, and still find ways to gamble on the internet.
By using foreign online gambling websites, which operate in countries where online gambling is completely legal, players in the US can still enjoy online blackjack games and other forms of gambling. There are many online casinos that still accept US players, and if Frank’s bill is passed, there will be many more sites to choose from in the future.
