Paddy Power’s entry into lucrative US market moves a step closer

BOOKMAKER Paddy Power could be in a position to enter the potentially lucrative US market sooner than expected, with hopes rising that proposals for the legalisation of online gambling could be passed by the US government within the next 12 months.

The Massachusetts-based Democratic congressman, Barney Frank, has been an advocate of legalising online gaming websites and has been pushing for legislation since the US government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006.

The act stops companies based online from accepting payments via credit card or other electronic means to settle online bets.