Politics

Updated July 05, 2009

Rep. Barney Frank Optimistic for Online Gambling Bill at World Series of Poker

AP

Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts told nearly 1,700 players Sunday at the no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event that he viewed Internet gambling as a right that must be protected.

LAS VEGAS -- A Democratic congressman at the World Series of Poker to rally support for legalizing and regulating Internet gambling says he thinks he can get a bill passed by next year.

Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts told nearly 1,700 players Sunday at the no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event that he viewed Internet gambling as a right that must be protected.

Phil Hellmuth, an 11-time gold bracelet winner at series who won the main event 20 years ago, says online gambling will grow worldwide regardless of whether U.S. lawmakers soften their stance.

A 2006 law prohibits financial institutions from taking credit card payments, checks or electronic transfers to settle online wagers. The Justice Department viewed Internet gambling as illegal even before that.

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