Online Gaming Bill Delayed Again

It’s been a long wait for congress to hear a bill that might end up legalizing online gambling, but the wait will get a little longer. Congress was expected to hear arguments on the bill Friday, but the hearing has been postponed.

According to Rep. Barney Frank’s (D-Mass.) office, Frank has a conflict that will prevent him from appearing at the Friday hearing, so the hearing will be moved to another day and time.

The bill, proposed by and supported by Frank and others, has been pushed aside over the past year or so, as Congress has dealt with more pressing issues such as healthcare and the economy. It’s likely, however, that the bill will get a hearing fairly soon as the implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act is set to begin June 1.

Frank’s bill is designed to override some elements of the UIGEA, and could ultimately lead to the legalization of online gaming by setting up taxation, oversight committees for online casinos and Internet poker rooms, and licensing regulations.

Currently, playing there are no laws either way explicitly stating whether it is legal or illegal to play at an online casinos as a United States resident. This bill would clarify this as well as regulating and taxing the industry.