Ahead of his retirement after decades as a leading US politician, Democrat Barney Frank gave an interview to poker media sources and discussed internet poker legislation and the chances of the industry seeing any significant changes this year. Frank is considered the forerunner among politicians seeking to make changes in current legislation governing online gambling in the United States. For years he has pushed for a more lenient but regulated environment and has influenced many other congressmen with his ideas.

After paying the third and final installment owed to the US Department of Justice in a plea deal reached between the two parties in 2010, the British gambling company Sportingbet is said to be in advanced talks with the US land gambling company, Foxwoods.

Charges were brought against Sportingbet for contravening the Wire Act and provide online gambling services to US gamblers, despite laws prohibiting this. In exchange for a promise of non prosecution, Sportingbet paid the US government over $30 million, the last $6 million which was paid this week.

With more and more individual states in the US realizing the huge revenue potential of online gambling, another one has jumped on the bandwagon, with news that Maine is considering the introduction of lottery sales over the internet. Lawmakers in this eastern state are examining legislation which could see online lottery tickets a new part of Maine’s gaming industry in the near future.

The proposed legislation, LD 1880, is sponsored by Senator Debra Plowman and could see internet lottery introduced in the state from September next year.

Two subsidiaries of the global facing Lottomatica Group, Spielo International and GTECH G2, have applied for an interactive gaming service provider license from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, it was announced today.

Spielo already has gaming licenses in Nevada through its three sub-groups, Spielo International Canada, Spielo International Austria and Spielo International USA. In addition, GTECH G2’s two brands, St. Minver and Boss Media also have gaming licenses in the state.