Online Gambling Legislation Lagging in Committees

Gambling News - February 15th, 2010 - Written By Glen

The process of passing of a bill, depending on the gravity and necessity of the legislation, can sometimes be an arduously long process. In the case of Barney Frank's HR 2267, also known as the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, the road to the President's desk will undoubtedly be one paved with difficulty.

In order for a Bill to become law, several things must happen. First the bill must be introduced. In the case of HR 2267, the legislation was introduced May 6th, 2009. After introduction, the legislation will go to one or more committees. These committees, comprised of members of the House, of the Senate, or both, decide the fate of the bills. Most legislative works do not make it beyond the committee.

The Internet gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act has been referred to four committees. The House Financial Services, House Energy and Commerce, House Judiciary, and the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security have all been assigned to HR 2267. Of these four, only the House Financial Services Committee has held hearings over the future of Internet gambling - at least in this incarnation.

If the bill manages to move through each committee successfully, a report will be issued. Since this bill originates in the House, the House of Representatives will be the first to vote upon the legislation. The Senate will also cast their vote. Should both sides approve of the bill, the president may then sign the legislation into law. Otherwise, the bill will either be thrown away or, more likely, rewritten until both parts of Congress agree.

The proponents to online gambling have been gearing up to push HR 2267 through congress. Lobby groups, political action committees, and private citizens have all been working toward the passage of this bill. As an alternative method of taxation and a solid means of entertainment, legal USA online gambling is gaining popularity, both to the player and the government.