Barney Frank's New Online Gambling Bill Passes Markup
As argument proceeded in the markup stage concerning Barney Frank's new bill to allow UIGEA enforcement only vis-a-vis sports gambling, clearing the way for regulation of Internet casinos, speakers defended the bill against the attacks of Spencer Bachus.Representative Peter King, a New York Republican, asserted that the bill was wholly a representation of what he thought was in the best interests of the financial community as well as the average citizen.
William Lacy Clay, a Democrat from Missouri, said Congress should avoid passing laws like the UIGEA which are largely unenforceable. Noting that Spencer Bachus claimed sports leagues were still united against the new bill, even though it still banned sports online wagering, Clay pointed to the hypocrisy involved, as sports gambling is readily available at Vegas sportsbooks.
Clay stated he didn't see a reason something legal on land should be illegal onthe Internet.
Barney Frank contradicted accusers who said the bill meant government encouragement to gamble online. He pointed out that there should be more than just two areas of behavior: those illegal, and those encouraged by government.
He noted the right of free people to choose their own course, rather than have government dictate it.
These valid arguments were followed by a near unanimous vote to allow the bill to pass markup and proceed to full committee vote later today.
