Barney Frank IGREA Bill Support Grows

Baker Tilly Accountants and the UC Group are sponsoring the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. This initiative is meant to garner support for the pro-gambling legislation of U.S. Representative Barney Frank. Frank introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, generally known as IGREA.

Baker Tilly and UC are both United Kingdom companies with an interest in online gambling. Baker Tilly is an international accounting company, while the UC Group is a UK online pay processing firm. Both hope to see online gambling regulated instead of banned by the United States.

Other United Kingdom gambling entities, like e-COGRA, are joining the UK safe secure initiative. It appears that the Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, along with the European Gaming and Betting Association will join.

The idea is to show the Congress there is not only a large international interest in online gambling regulation, but the U.S. also has a stake in regulating and taxing online gambling receipts. Obviously, congressmen have no reason to fear the dislike of constituencies in other countries. But the SSIGI already lobbies the U.S. Congress, and wants to organize the resources to sway U.S. congressional votes.

Barney Frank consulted the UC Group when he drafted his legislation, which indicates how close the international gambling and banking interests are tied to U.S. lawmakers.

The Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, known as the UIGEA, banned online payment processing firms from taking U.S. gambling money. This drove legitimate companies out of the business, opening U.S. players to exploitation by unregulated companies. So the legitimate companies are trying to repeal the UIGEA, which would allow their return to the U.S. gambling market.

I applaud this effort. American gamblers need all the help we can get. The more voices demanding change from Congress, the better the chances of getting the Internet Gambling Legislation and Enforcement Act gets passed.

Barney Frank IGREA Bill Support Grows