ATTEMPT TO REPEAL UIGEA COULD START AS EARLY AS APRIL (Update)

30 March 2007

Wiley politician Frank hints at an optimum launch window for his repeal measure

Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank piqued the online gambling industry's curiosity further this week with a hint that he may launch his proposal to repeal what he calls "the stupidest law ever" as early as mid April.

Interviewed by the author of the upcoming book 'Power Poker Dame', W.H. Elios, the influential politician was asked when he would mount his much anticipated challenge to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (see previous InfoPowa reports). Frank responded intriguingly with lines from a Longfellow poem that the author interpreted as indicating April 18.

Rather more directly, Frank apparently then expanded on his launch strategy, arguing that mid-April is a timeframe when most legislators are likely to be present on the Hill, making it an optimum period to lobby the repeal legislation. Given that the period he has in mind is a mere three weeks hence, the implication is that some focused and high pressure preparation has been in progress in Frank's office.

The Congressman intimated that he will not be attacking the UIGEA over the controversial manner in which it was pushed through a late night session of a Congress about to recess for elections last year, attached to the unrelated but 'must-pass' Safe Ports Act. Instead, his approach will be to argue that it takes away fundamental rights of Americans.

Ms. Elios has indicated that Frank also intimated that the Poker Players' Alliance appeal for a carve-out for poker as a game of skill might be an element of his attack on the UIGEA, and that he is consulting with other politicians like Rep. Shelley Berkley who reject the UIGEA and are campaigning for a proper and unbiased study of the online gambling phenomenon by an independent and non-political body.

Rep. Berkley is reported to be delighted that a politican with the experience and influence that Frank commands is leading the way on the anti-UIGEA trail. Berkely has emphasised that it is important that any measure Frank introduces be designed carefully to keep it within the purview of his committee.

Frank also said that he will be seeking guidance of friend and former Senator Tom Downey from New York for help with the bill.

Frank's interviewer, Wendeen Eolis is CEO of the legal and business consultancy EOLIS International Group. A longtime confidante and advisor to former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, she also served as first assistant to New York Governor George E. Pataki. She is consulted by law firms, companies, and governments around the world. In her leisure time, Ms. Eolis is apparently a competitive poker player; she was elected to the WPT's Inaugural Professional Poker Tour and has cashed in five WSOP events. She has written articles for various law journals as well as the poker industry.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa

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