US Will Legalize Internet Bingo Soon !
Posted on July 29th, 2010
Current news reports say that the US may finally take action regarding online gambling including internet bingo. The proposed bill, he Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, is being sponsored by Congressman Barney Frank who has been trying to undo the unpopular Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 since its passage. The anti internet gambling legislation was tacked on to a must pass port security bill by anti gambling extremists pandering to the ‘religious’ right. On Wednesday, July 28th the House Financial Services Committee voted 41-22 in favor of moving the bill forward. While the bill in its present form prohibits the use of credit cards to finance gambling accounts the move has been welcomed by the internet gambling industry.
Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass who is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and a proponent of online gambling said that the credit card provision in the bill protects gamblers from running up excessive charges on their credit cards and getting into financial trouble. Frank stated, “We’re saying you cannot make these bets with a credit card,” Frank said. “You can do it with a debit card or prepaid arrangements. I think that’s a reasonable way to ensure that people won’t get carried away with this.” Other provisions in the bill would ban online betting on sporting events but would allow bets on pari-mutuel racing. Supporters of the proposed bill see the issue as one of personal freedom. Frank stated, “What we’re doing is allowing Americans to make their own choices. It’s a fundamental principle of freedom.” In testimony before the committee professional poker player Annie Duke said, “The committee and this Congress should not tolerate laws that seek to prevent responsible adults from playing a game we find stimulating, challenging and entertaining.”
Opponents pulled out their time worn arguments saying that gambling is ‘addictive’ using the usual fear tactics. Anti gambling extremist Spencer Bachus, R-Ala. Made one of the more ridiculous statements when he said, “With this bill, in one stroke, we will allow all children to gamble from their homes. This legislation will expose our children to an intense and dangerous hazard.” ‘Morality’ aside, internet gambling is big business in the US and is a $10 billion-$12 billion per year industry.
Many online bingo sites are gearing up for the inevitable entry of millions of new US players. Players can expect bingo bonuses targeting American players once the bill is passed in congress. For online bingo players the passage of this piece of legislation is eagerly awaited!
