The online bingo industry has been keeping a close eye on the developments in the United States in regards to the US policy toward online gaming. They have now received some encouragement as their is news that the House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank's proposal to regulate and tax online gambling has now garnered their 47th supporter.

Barney Frank's proposal, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA) is a direct attempt to try and change the current Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This law currently restricts international gaming operators from engaging in financial transactions with United States based customers.

The law that was passed late in 2006 hurt the international online gaming industry along with many online bingo halls and bingo game operators. Many gaming sites including online bingo operators withdrew from the US market as a result of this law. IGREA has been getting a steady stream of support as an alternative to the UIGEA since it would see substantial tax gains for the US government.

The 47th IGREA co sponsor is Congressman Tim Bishop of the First District of New York State. He says that his political priorities are fighting for the rights of middle class families and seniors, strengthening education, safeguarding the environment and securing the homeland.











- 2008-03-18