All eyes are set on the United States, where a hearing on Rep. Barney Frank's proposal to legalize and regulate online gambling is slated for Tuesday, April 1.
The NFL has its Super Sunday. Not long ago mentioned here the US Presidential Elections Primaries Super Tuesday. We hereby label April 1 to be US Online Gambling Industry's own Super Tuesday.
It has been nearly a year and a half since the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in the US, the effect of which, namely banning online gambling, was noticeable overnight. It is only now, in April 2008, that the hearings on the bill's regulations are scheduled to take place.
UIGEA has tackled gambling by prohibiting credit card and other financial institutions to allow the transfer of funds between American users and gambling websites. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) is challenging this bill, and has several dozen supporters among his fellow Congressmen and women.
His proposal, Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA), would create an exemption to UIGEA and allow online betting.
Voices are heard in favor of both bills, the ban and its opposition. While players' organizations, such as the Poker Players Alliance, are lobbying their representatives, by sending letters and publishing studies, Family Action and other conservative organizations urge people to oppose online gambling on the basis of family values.
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