US Congressman Barney Frank's bill to legalize online gambling is gaining rapid support, with another four congress representatives signing up as co-sponsors last week.

Congressional representatives Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio), Jared Polis (D-Colorado), (D-Arizona) and Steve Israel (D-New York) all added their names to the HR 2267 Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, which would regulate and license non-sports betting online gambling in the United States.

The new additions mean at least 30 congressional representatives have backed the bill since its introduction in May.

Frank (D-MA), who is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, continues to lead the fight against the2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which effectively banned Internet gambling by outlawing the transfer of funds from financial institutions to gambling websites.

In addition to the launching of HR 2267 in May, Frank also introduced the HR 2266 Reasonable Prudence in Regulation Act, which aims to put the UIGEA on hold until December 2010 when the outcome of HR 2267 will be known.

Frank is hoping the shift of power in Washington, DC will make his efforts easier, after similar attempts during the Bush Administration's time in power failed miserably.

Current President Barack Obama has not commented publicly on the issue.