PokerWorks

Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA) supporters now numbers 40. Congressman James Moran, a democratic representative from Virginia's Eighth Congressional District, is the latest to agree to co-sponsor the proposed legislation.

The legislation, known as H.R. 2046, was first introduced by Rep. Barney Frank in April. In June, a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee was held where a number of experts gave testimony both for and against online gambling. The bill is currently in committee at the House Financial Services and House Energy and Commerce Committees and has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The IGREA would provide for federal regulation and enforcement of online gambling as well as safeguards to prevent underage gambling. The bill would also require software that can track a gambler's location to ensure legality according to the individual states, Indian tribes and sports leagues.

"The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone," Barney Frank has said. This comment was in reference to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) enacted last year.

James Moran, the newest IGREA supporter, voted to pass the UIGEA last October.

While Rep. Moran's previous voting record shows that he was opposed to online gambling, voting for a ban on Internet gambling in 2003, he seems to be taking a different position in recent days. In addition to supporting the IGREA, he has agreed to co-sponsor Rep. Robert Wexler's Skill Game Protection Act which seeks to cut away the anti-online poker laws.