Support For Online Gambling Is Growing 

Gambling News - June 26, 2009 - Written by Renee

Representative Spencer Bachus admitted in an interview that the support for online gambling is growing, though he continues to oppose it as forcefully as ever. Ever since Representative Barney Frank introduced his bill to legalize and regulate online gambling in May, the two Congressmen have come face to face at many forums. The latest of these was in an article in Politico.com. 

In the article Bachus said that the UIGEA had got passed by piggy backing it to the important port security act.  However this has now made the pro gambling faction alert to such political machinations. Bachus said, “We caught them off guard last time. This time, they won’t be off guard.” 

Bachus and the anti online gambling faction were able to block Frank’s attempts to bring in similar legislation last year. However this year their work will be much more difficult.

The Democratic presence in the Congress has increased. A section of the Republicans, who are moving from a Christian conservative to a libertarian position, are supporting Frank’s bill. 

This year the public opinion is also better mobilized in favor of online gambling. US News and World Report has been running a public poll since June 2. The question being asked is “Should online gambling be legalized?” Almost a month later the responses have settled down. As of yesterday 91.16% were in favor of online gambling. 

However, Bachus is not going to give up without a fight. And in an indirect way the economic meltdown may work in his favor. It has put so much work on the Financial Services House Committee that they may not find time to push the bill forward.