Barney Frank introduces two Internet poker bills

 

 

All in all, it was a good day on Capitol Hill for poker players.

In today’s session of Congress, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced two bills that would have a dramatic impact on Internet poker. The first bill –similar to Frank’s failed attempt in 2007, which never made it to a vote--seeks to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, while the second bill proposes to delay the UIGEA implementations, which are set to begin Dec. 1.
 

The primary bill is titled “The Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act,” would repeal UIGEA, and also add safeguards to prevent underage and problem gamblers, and protect against fraud.

The new legislation calls for companies to enact effective protections against underage gambling, compulsive gambling, money laundering and fraud, and enforce prohibitions or restrictions on types of gambling prohibited by states and Native American Tribes.

All licensed companies would also be subject to review of their finances and structure. They will also have to agree to be subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The bill also grants the Treasury the authority to enforce the regulations.

The Poker Players Alliance was extremely pleased with the two bills introduced today. "Online poker is a legal, thriving industry and poker players deserve the consumer protections and the freedom to play that are provided for in this legislation," PPA Chairman and former Senator Alfonse D'Amato said. "We are grateful for Chairman Frank's leadership and will be activating our grassroots army made up of over one million members to help him drive legislation."