A big step towards the overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has been taken in the United States yesterday. The House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Barney Frank approved a bill that will license and regulate online gambling. It was not the first time the Committee voted on the bill, as previous attempts began in 2008 with mixed success.

Chairman Frank's bill (named “Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act - HR 2267) includes amendments which will ensure online gambling facilities targeting US residents will be based in the country and other including player protection measures such as posting the odds of winning of every game, verifying payer's age and location, and loss limits. The first comments were voiced by the Poker Players Alliance, which supported the legislative efforts: "I'm glad the Financial Services Committee today overwhelmingly chose to act and protect Americans as well as preserve the fundamental freedoms of adults and the Internet”, chairman of the PPA Alfonse D'Amato said.