The “Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act”(IGREA) was passed in April 2007 to rectify the agreement as per the contentious-Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act’ (UIGEA) of October 2006. At a press conference, Republican Barney Frank confesses that the latter had been recklessly passed and violates laws of freedom. Passed in a hushed manner, the act in 2006 was signed by the then President of the United States, George Bush, along with the “Safe Port Ac”.

However, other Republicans have raised the issue of there being absolutely no connection between the two acts.  Though having voted for the bill, they claim to have done so because the bill made a provision for the extreme right-wing Republicans just before the elections.

The Act has impact not on individuals directly, but on companies that allow transfer of money and provide credit cards. The Act also does not forbid gambling on online casino games; rather it pronounces as illegal, funding on those bets.

It is even claimed that the Act takes into consideration issues such as verification of age, financial frauds and addiction to gambling. The law touches upon gambling addiction, but does not probe a solution or offer any remedies to the problem. Without really delving into the aspect of medical aid that can be provided for addicts, the act simply touches upon this otherwise serious topic.

A veto on money transfer companies has not led to solving the problem. It has, in fact, aggravated it further. While larger companies were earlier donating money, it is smaller companies that are now doing the needful and not being able to meet the expenses.

At a press conference, Republican Frank has stated that the law pervades into people’s privacy and use of leisure time. However, at a later hearing he also claims that certain guidelines can be followed with effect to online gambling.