Is Barack Obama Good for Online Casino Gambling?

President Barack Obama has been heralded as pioneering. One of his campaign promises was to guard the Internet from censorship and government intervention. He wants to "ensure the full and free exchange of ideas through an open Internet and diverse media outlets." Insiders say the president has his own ideas on how the Internet should be regulated.

A recent press conference has suggested that Obama will keep to the script that got him elected. While the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act prevents gamers from betting money at sportsbooks and online casinos, there are some encouraging signs that an Obama presidency may overturn the law established by the departing president, George W. Bush.

The law, which excludes horse racing, places the burden of enforcement on the US financial services industry. It is designed to stop or disrupt "illegal" online gaming and financial transactions and criminalizes the transfer of funds from unlawful online gambling, although it does not accurately describe what an "illegal" transaction is.

Still, American gamers shouldn't be too enthusiastic to log on to the nearest online casino: Obama has told several journalists that he's not the biggest fan of online casino gambling. On the other hand, influential Democrats such as Congressman Barney Frank, who chairs the house Financial Services Committee, oppose the ban.