Gambling Advocates and Opponents Prepare for Internet Gaming Push
Supporters of regulating and licensing online gambling sites in the US are guardedly optimistic change is just around the corner. But those opposed to Internet casinos are gathering their forces, and some observers say the fight may not be as easy as hoped.
“There’s a better chance now for some sort of gaming legislation to be approved,” Nick Batram, an analyst at KBC Peel Hunt, told the New York Times. “But it took longer than expected to put anti-gaming legislation in place, and it will probably will take longer than expected to remove it.”
Barney Frank has promised to introduce a measure to repeal the UIGEA within the next few days. And predicted difficulties with the UIGEA have combined with the Democratic wave in Washington and the need for revenue to create as friendly a legislative environment as possible.
PricewaterhouseCoopers analyzed that the US could take in $50 billion in a decade of regulating Internet gambling.
But religious groups continue to argue about the effects on society, even though their arguments have largely been disproved by objective study.
“We’re not saying people shouldn’t go to Las Vegas. But when it’s in your home, it’s too easy. It breaks up families,” says Michelle Combs of the Christian Coalition. She produced no documentation to give credence to her claim.
Others worry what nature new online gambling rules may take in the US.
“I’d be amazed if it didn’t happen over the next two or three years,” said Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the Remote Gaming Association, which represents European Online gaming companies. “It’s just a question of what exactly the regulations will say.”
As for when the battle will truly get underway, Frank has said the bill would be forthcoming in April, which is almost over. A spokesman for the House Financial Services Committee, which Frank chairs, said, "“He supports the repeal [of the UIGEA] and wants to move forward on it."
