US gambling fans can breathe sigh of relief
Internet poker players in the U.S. and online gambling companies around the world are recovering from the news that Barney Frank's anti-UIGEA bill has been delayed. Two positive but unrelated opinions on the legalization of online gambling in the United States were given this week, adding credibility to a growing optimism that this year will see the United States joining other progressive Western nations in permitting controlled and regulated betting over the Internet.
There is a strong possibility that online poker is legalized in several states before the federal government makes any changes to their laws. Frank's House Finance Committee is focusing their attention on the economy, so the Internet gambling debate has been delayed until at least September.
The ban online gambling is also under attack from across the water. The EU recently completed a report which concluded that the U.S. has unfairly discriminated against European companies by restricting their access to the U.S. market.
Many online poker companies who withdrew from the U.S. following the introduction of the UIGEA had been preparing the ground for a return.