Frank is Ready for Online Gambling Hearing
December 8, 2009
One can only assume that Rep. Barney Frank is simply thrilled at the idea of finally getting a hearing when it comes to online gambling. The man has spent the last few years battling for online gambling rights, and has not seen any real movement in any positive direction. Many thought that once President Obama took office that it would simply be a matter of time before online gambling was legalized, but it looks as though it might end up being a little harder than that.
As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee has finally gotten a hearing for online gambling and it is scheduled for December 3rd. He will be leading the questions for the testimonies for and against against the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (IGRCPEA) and the Reasonable Prudence Regulation Act (RPRA). Each of these bills was introduced earlier this year, and they were both introduced by Frank himself.
The first one would simply regulate the online gambling industry and make it safe and secure for those that chose to participate in it. The second is simply an attempt to hold off on regulations that are going to be implemented as of December 1st that pertain to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act or UIGEA. There are many within the industry against the regulations and this would postpone them until a better set can be made, or online gambling is regulated.
They are not expecting any sort of a vote at the hearing, but it is expected to be a very heated discussion. There are many who are dead set against online gambling being legalized, so it should prove to be an exciting hearing.
