Frank's Bill Stirs Stakeholders

With new laws pertaining to online gambling in America already drafted and likely to soon be considered by the House and Senate, the debate on whether net betting is good for the US has gone up a notch.

Its a contentious issue and one argued vehemently by stakeholders on both side of the fence.

In the blue corner, are the likes of the Poker Players Alliance and of course online gambling operators wanting to offer there product to US residents without fear of prosecution. In the red corner, are the likes of social interest groups like Focus on the Family who condemn gambling that is accessible in the living rooms of Americans as "the perfect storm for addiction." And the referee, the US legislature, is soon to adjudicate on a piece of legislation that could represent a historical shift in gambling policy if UIGEA repealing laws are approved.

The PPA is a vocal supporter of legalized online gambling and has pledged $3 million in lobbying funds towards the cause in Washington. PPA Chairman and former Republican Senator Sen. Alfonse D'Amato along with Rep. Barney Frank who is behind the push for new online gambling laws, argue the current ban is a restriction of liberty and an unwelcome intervention by Washington as to how American's choose to spend their leisure time.

Meanwhile, groups like Focus on the Family believe that there are some choices that many people aren't responsible to make on their own and they are rolling their sleeves up to fight any legislative changes hard.

Other interested observers are the European Commission, the legal commentators and the American Gaming Association which represents the interests of member terrestrial casinos across the United states like gambling giant Harrah's.

The EC has made no secret of the fact that it wants the US to change its current stance on net gambling, which it has formally stated to be protectionist in nature. Meanwhile, the AMA, formally ardent critics of online gambling, are this time around conspicuously silent on the issue. Member Harrah's has actually made contributions toward lobbying efforts to get Frank's new bill up and has made a number of moves indicating they are gearing up to launch including hiring former Party Gaming CEO Mitch Garber.

According to well regarding gambling law expert I. Nelson Rose, "Very few people in Congress really care at all about Internet gambling" and Barney Frank should have enough support to pass his bill, although amendments to the original draft are likely.

Never a dull moment in online gambling.