It seems that there are not many interested in or willing to oppose Barney Frank on the issue of regulating online casinos.  Not this time around anyway.  The last time Frank tried to regulate online casinos he was overpowered by a Republican dominated Government.  Now online casino regulation seems to be a none stop train heading toward success.

This makes it particularly bizarre that Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey would introduce his legislation strictly focusing on the regulation of Internet Poker.  It has long been believed by online gambling advocates that online poker would be regulated first in the United States before the Congress would regulate full online casinos.  However, it does not seem like there is much standing in Frank’s way this time around.

This may not be the intention, but Menendez’s legislation suggests some doubt Frank’s bill will not pass.  There is no doubt that starting with online poker is the safer route.  Poker has fought long and hard for recognition as a game of skill and has finally won a few rulings to that affect.

There is also a risk that Menendez’s bill may undermine Frank’s efforts.  Although they are not being particularly vocal about it, there are several members of the GOP that are opposed to regulating and legalizing online casinos.  As a compromise they may rally behind Menendez’s poker bill as a means to stop gambling expansion over the Internet. 

We will all have to wait and see how the arguments play out this coming September when the house takes a look at Frank’s proposals.