Barney Frank Online Gambling Bill Coming After Easter

Frank stated the new Internet casino bill would be introduced to Congress sometime shortly after the mid-session break in the second week of April.

Barney Frank reiterated his commitment to bring forward a bill to legalize and regulate online gambling in the US this week. Frank stated the new Internet casino bill would be introduced to Congress sometime shortly after the mid-session break in the second week of April.

Frank had previously said to expect the bill by the end of March. However, the Massachusetts Representative has had his hands full with negotiating the stimulus bill and other financial rescue packages through the House in his duties as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Also, groups helping craft the law are negotiating wording so as to precisely define terms and specify what is and is not legal, something neglected in the hurried and sneaky passage of the UIGEA.

Frank's efforts to replace the UIGEA with a sensible and workable framework for Internet gambling has drawn considerable attention lately. The release this week of a European Union report condemning US policy toward foreign online casinos brought a spotlight on Frank's proposal.

No comment was forthcoming on the idea Frank tied the introduction of his new bill to fall immediately after Easter. Some pundits have said the timing indicates the resurrection of US online gambling. Others suggest that religious zealots, as ardent gambling foes, may be too busy with the season to raise rabble against the bill.