Will the United States overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)? Will online gambling be legal, and regulated, in the USA?

Yesterday, July 28, they took a big step in that direction.

The Vote

The House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Barney Frank (D-MA), voted 41-22-1 to approve a bill that will license and regulate online gambling. It was not the first time the Committee voted on the bill, as previous attempts began in 2008 with mixed success.

The Bill

Chairman Frank's bill is titled: Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act (HR 2267). It was amended last minute by John Campbell and Brad Sherman, the former a Republican and the latter a Democrat, both representing California, before passing. These amendments will also ensure online gambling facilities targeting US residents will be based in the country.

Player Protection

Other amendments include player protection measures such as posting the odds of winning of every game, verifying payer's age and location verifications, and loss limits.

Comments

First and most notable perhaps of all comments was voiced by the Poker Players Alliance, which supported the legislative efforts for a long time and seemed satisfied with the bill and the voting results. At the hearings, the Alliance was represented by professional poker player Annie Duke. Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the PPA said:

"I'm glad the Financial Services Committee today overwhelmingly chose to act and protect Americans as well as preserve the fundamental freedoms of adults and the Internet."

What's Next?

The uphill journey to repeal the ban is not over. Next, the bill will be voted on by the full House. This can happen after the summer break and before the November elections, likely no sooner than September 7.

Then the Senate needs to vote on the bill, before President Obama signs it into law.