As End Of Year Nears, Online Casinos Waiting For US Regulations

It is becoming increasingly likely that lawmakers in the US may not discuss the proposed online gambling legislation until next year. With less than two months left in 2009, Representative Barney Frank may be waiting until the new year to bring up the debate.

Frank introduced legislation earlier this year to the delight of the online casino industry. In the months that have passed, however, since that proposal, there has been little done to move the legislation through Congress.

There is growing support for online gambling legislation. In the months since the proposal, sixty-two representatives have signed on to the Bill as co-sponsors. That is a sign that lawmakers are starting to understand the need for regulations to the industry.

Currently, the US is the largest online gambling market in the world, but it is unregulated. Companies located outside the US are receiving all of the US customers, and the online players are not protected by US law.

Frank wants that to change. He feels that people in the US should have the right to gamble online if they choose to do so. He also feels that it is the government's responsibility to protect these gamblers against corruption by online gaming operators.

In addition to Frank's Bill, Senator John Menendez of New Jersey has proposed legislation that would legalize online poker in the country. There has not been much support for his Bill as of yet, with the Senate being a little tougher on Internet gambling than the House.

Senator Harry Reid has been against any form of online gambling regulation. Reid represents Nevada, the top casino gambling destination in the US. Reid is concerned that online gambling regulations would lead to a drop in revenue at Nevada casinos.