Contact: Jennifer Fedor, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000 ext. 126

WASHINGTON, June 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rep. Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) will begin holding hearings this week on the "Internet Gambling Regulatory and Enforcement Act of 2007" (H.R. 2046).  The bill would set up a scheme to legalize, license and regulate Internet gambling operations. 

The United States accounts for almost half of the world's $12 billion spent on Internet gambling.  H.R. 2046 would reverse Congress' nearly half-century-old policy against gambling on professional and collegiate sports.  This bill would also allow offshore Internet websites the right to engage in sports gambling. 

"Gambling hurts families, pure and simple," says Shari Rendall, Concerned Women for America's (CWA) Director of Legislation and Public Policy.  "Congressman Frank's misguided legislation makes the problem worse."

The Frank bill shields Internet operators from prosecution or enforcement action from federal or state law enforcement, as long as these operators obtain a license and follow the requirements of the bill.  H.R. 2046, if passed, would effectively override all other gambling regulations or limitations under federal law.

Studies show that gambling accessibility is a forerunner to gambling addiction.  H.R. 2046 and Internet gambling is a very real danger to ordinary Americans.