With a growing number of states taking up the issue of Internet gambling – or more specifically Internet poker – Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, a Democrat, has been joined by a California Republican – Rep. John Campbell – in introducing an Internet Gambling bill.

Called the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, the bill, if approved, would permit Internet wagering with federally-licensed operators.

Joining the two as sponsors were Democrat Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado and Republican Rep. Peter King of New York.

Frank has been outspoken for several years in proposing that the federal government frame legislation that would govern Internet gambling since, in his opinion, thousands of Americans are involved in the activity illegally anyway.

Frank pointed out that his bill would not repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, currently being used by federal officials to prosecute illegal Internet gambling sites. Rather, the bill would create a federal regulatory and enforcement framework under which Internet gambling operators could obtain federal licenses from the Department of the Treasury authorizing them to accept wagers over the Internet from individuals in the U.S.

Licensees, whether foreign or domestic, would be required to subject themselves to U.S. jurisdiction and provide background information.

Prohibited would be the use of credit cards and gambling on sporting events other than horse racing.