Poker-Backing Pol, Barney Frank, to Retire in 2012

Rep. Barney Frank, one of the country’s most ardent pro poker congressmen, has just announced he will retire in 2012. Frank has been in politics for nearly 30 years, since 1981. 

Frank is known for his liberal stance on most subjects. Even since his early days in office, he pushed for things he felt were right, even if they weren’t popular, such as pushing for the civil rights of minorities.  

In terms of gambling, he has worked hard to create a legal, regulated gambling industry in the United States. While he never pushed through any laws, his efforts were nonetheless important to the industry. For years he spoke to his peers about the benefits of instituting legalized and regulated gambling. In fact, in some cases his discussions prompted other politicians to work towards devising their own gambling bills. 

Since 2006 when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was put into place, Frank has tried to get the bill revoked. He has also tried to present laws that would counter it. In 2007, Frank authored a bill, HR 2046 (The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act). Due to other issues that the House found more important, Frank’s bill did not get passed.  

A similar bill of his, HR 2267 – the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, was accepted by the House Financial Services Committee, but timing constraints kept it from becoming law.

Frank feels people have the right to make their own decisions. “Some adults will spend their money foolishly, but it is not the purpose of the Federal government to prevent them from legally doing it. We should ensure that they have appropriate consumer protections and information, but otherwise allow people to pursue activities that they enjoy which do not harm others.”