The passage of the ill advised and draconian Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 sent shockwaves through the online bingo industry worldwide. The bill wreaked havoc in the online gaming industry, publicly traded companies saw their stocks plummet, and thousands found themselves unemployed. Payment providers found themselves criminalized and subject to arrest with the stroke of a pen. The history behind this bill is sordid to say the least. Attached to a port security bill (what politician in their right mind is going to vote against safe ports) and presented in the last 15 minutes of a late night session with no room for debate this bill was overwhelmingly passed.

This bill has sparked a dispute in the World Trade Organization. The tiny nation of Antigua filed a complaint with the WTO over internet gaming and UIGEA and the WTO ruled against the United States. This could potentially cost the US billions in penalties.

There is one politician who had the courage to speak against this assault on personal liberty. Barney Frank (D-Mass) has proposed a bill that would regulate internet gaming including online bingo. It has been an uphill battle for Frank but his bill is gaining momentum in congress. Mr. Frank has been joined recently by three courageous members of Congress. Robert E Andrews (D-NJ), Adam Smith (D-Wa), and John B Larson (D-Conn) have joined Mr. Frank in supporting a bill patterned after a recently passed law in the UK that regulates internet gaming.

All these members of Congress should be congratulated on their courage and foresight. One can only hope that they are joined by others who have the courage of their convictions.