“Full Committee Hearing: Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267)” – July 21, 2010

Representatives of the financial services, tribal and poker communities testified in support of regulating Internet gambling before the House Committee on Financial Services.  The hearing was held to discuss the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267). 

The legislation, introduced by Chairman Frank in May 2009, would establish a framework to permit licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from individuals in the U.S.  In addition to mandating an array of consumer protections, the legislation reinforces the rights of each state to determine whether or not to allow Internet gambling activity for people accessing the Internet within the state and to apply other restrictions on the activity as determined necessary. 

Since its introduction, a bi-partisan group of 69 co-sponsors has signed onto the legislation. A recent analysis by H2 Gambling capital predicts that Internet gambling regulation would create as many as 32,000 jobs over its first five years. 

Prepared testimony:

• Mr. Ed Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Credit Union National Association
• The Honorable Lynn Malerba, Tribal Chairwoman, Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut
• Ms. Annie Duke, professional poker player on behalf of the Poker Players Alliance

Additional links:

• Congressional hearing web page, link to webcast
• Press Release:  Internet Gambling Takes Center Stage before House             Financial Services Committee
• U.S. Chamber, NAFCU, and Financial Services Roundtable Voice Support for Chairman Frank’s Legislation
• Bill text