August 26, 2009 (CAP Newswire) — Barney Frank’s bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to establish a new legal framework for regulating Internet gambling seems to be stalled, at least for the moment.
Currently, larger issues such as repairing the economy and reforming the health care system (as if such goals are possible) are occupying most of the dialogue and action (if that word really can be used) in the U.S. Congress. Though the revenues from taxation that the bill would create would surely be helpful to the nation during this time of financial crisis, it’s looking less and less likely that lawmakers will choose to vote on any online gambling legislation any time soon.
Unfortunately, as some news sources are reporting, the issue may be even pushed back until next year.
Frank has gained a lot of support for the bill, so a delay could either hurt that base, or give him more time to gain even more supporters. Either way, as the U.S. government prepares to enforce the UIGEA even more strictly later this year, it isn’t looking like any relief will be offered by American lawmakers.
"(Debate on the bill) probably won't happen this year," former Senator Richard Bryan told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Bryan spent 12 years representing Nevada in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat and is said to be knowledgeable about gambling law.
"My sense, however, is that there is a gathering, gradual momentum where, eventually, Internet gaming will occur and be regulated," Bryan said. "I'm just not sure if it has reached critical mass yet."