The ban on online gambling in the United States is clearly in place. The UIGEA has changed the global market in so many ways that it cannot be ignored. It has, however, started counter-efforts that try to repeal the ban and regulate the industry, thus bringing it back to the millions of Americans who have been playing for a decade or longer.

These efforts have been followed rather closely by us. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and his Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA) have received our coverage. It has now also received the support of the 40th House Member.

Rep. James Moran (D-VA) has added his support to House of Representatives 2046 - the official name of IGREA. Symbolizing the growing support of the initiative on the Hill, Moran represents a district on the other side of the Potomac, practically overlooking Washington, DC. Perhaps indicating a shift in another sense, Virginians have been opposed to online gambling using credit cards, even voting against the practice in 2003.

With 40 supporters on the Hill and high profile lobbying efforts (namely the wide coverage Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson received during his campaign this week) the wheel might be rolling in the right direction.