State Lotteries Hopeful Of Frank Online Gambling Legislation

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State Lotteries Hopeful Of Frank Online Gambling Legislation
http://casinoandgamblingnews.com/gambling-news/state-lotteries-hopeful-of-frank-online-gambling-legislation-new-online-casinos/

It is true that the online casino industry may have been hit the hardest by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, but that does not mean it was the only industry hurt. State lotteries also now have interest in the outcome of US online gambling laws.

A funny thing happened when the UIGEA started to be enforced. Many online sites continued to operate by targeting US customers, but state lotteries began to lose money because of laws that do not apply to them.

This past year, several different states have complained that credit card companies have blocked online subscriptions to their lotteries because of the UIGEA. Lotteries are supposed to be exempt from the law, but credit companies have been unable to decipher payments to lotteries from those going to online gambling sites.

"The credit card companies and financial institutions have clumped all gambling into the same boat, and it has caused many legal forms of gambling to be blocked from payments," said observer Jennifer Watson, "That is why state lotteries are keeping a close eye on the Frank proposal."

Representative Frank has unveiled legislation that not only would overturn the UIGEA, but would also set the guidelines for regulating and legalizing Internet gambling in the US. Frank hopes he receives more support for his efforts this time.

Last time he attempted to overturn the UIGEA, he was shot down by a Republican-led Congress. Now the balance of power has shifted and Democrats have been more receptive to legalized online gambling.