There are now 63 supporters of the Barney Frank Poker Bill, which asks Congress not to ban online gambling but to instead legalize it and allow the United States Treasury to regulate the game and tax the individuals involved in playing the game. The 63rd supporter of the bill, Representative Anthony D. Weiner of New York’s 9th District, agrees with Barney Frank and the idea behind not banning online gambling. There is a current three year old ban on internet gambling that will legally take effect beginning on December 1, 2009 that will make it illegal for banks to acknowledge any monetary transactions for internet gamblers and this includes internet poker.

The name of the bill created by Frank is the Internet Gambling Regulation Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act. The bill would legalize online gambling by issuing gambling licenses to internet gambling businesses that are in good financial standing, are of good character, and are in good legal standing. The businesses wishing to obtain a gambling license for the internet must also not participate in any activities that will pose a threat to the interest of the public or to the regulation of the licenses issued.

Any business entity can apply for an online gambling license under this legislation but all directors within the company will have to provide information for proper criminal and financial background checks to be performed prior to the licenses being approved. The Secretary for the Treasury would be responsible for approving and monitoring all of the licenses but could seek assistance with compliance issues from the United States Attorney General.