Since 2006, American online bingo players have been prohibited from playing their favorite online game thanks to ill advised legislation passed in 2006. When the anti gambling legislation was passed many online bingo companies saw their stocks plummet on global exchanges. The online bingo industry survived and thanks to clever marketing campaigns managed to thrive in the UK and Europe, is now a billion dollar a year industry. Recent news reports indicate that at long last the US may remedy the mistake made in 2006. Congressman Barney Frank has introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act and on July 28th the US House Financial Services Committee voted 41-22 in favor of moving the piece of legislation forward for consideration of both houses of Congress.
Congressman Frank has been trying to undo the damage done by the anti-gambling laws for a few years. Previous efforts were hindered by the global financial meltdown which became a top priority of the US government. Although the proposed bill in its present form still prohibits the use of credit cards to fund online bingo accounts, the move has received a very positive reception from the internet bingo industry. Frank said the credit card provision is meant to prevent players from running up huge charges and getting into serious financial trouble. Frank stated, “We’re saying you cannot make these bets with a credit card. You can do it with a debit card or prepaid arrangements. I think that’s a reasonable way to ensure that people won’t get carried away with this.”
Another provision in Frank’s bill bans online betting on sporting events but allows betting pari-mutuel racing. Supporters of Frank’s legislation see the issue of online gambling as one of personal freedom. Frank agreed and stated, “What we’re doing is allowing Americans to make their own choices. It’s a fundamental principle of freedom.” Frank’s sentiments were echoed by professional poker player Annie Duke who said, “The committee and this Congress should not tolerate laws that seek to prevent responsible adults from playing a game we find stimulating, challenging and entertaining.”
There is opposition to the bill from the usual suspects. Anti gambling congressman Spencer Bachus, R-Ala. Made one of the more astounding claims when he stated, “With this bill, in one stroke, we will allow all children to gamble from their homes. This legislation will expose our children to an intense and dangerous hazard.”
Many Americans who play on the bingo sites are gearing up for the return of their favorite game. The online bingo industry expects millions of new US based players to get online and play those bingo promotions and utilize the bingo bonuses out there. For online bingo players in the US, the change cannot come soon enough!
