U.S anti-online gambling lawmaker to retire

One of the principal architects and supporters of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte, has announced that he will not stand for re-election when his current term ends next year.

Our readers may recall that the UIGEA caused consternation in the industry as it sought to disrupt financial transfers with online gambling operators. There was also outrage at the stealth manner of its introduction in a late night session of congress attached to an unrelated “must pass” bill.

Goodlatte has been on the political scene for the last quarter century or more and has a constituency in Virginia. In a tweet Thursday he announced:

“It’s been an honor to serve #VA06 – thank you for your support and trust. It’s time to step aside. I’ve decided I will not seek re-election.” In a statement later he added:

“With my time as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee ending in December 2018, this is a natural stepping-off point and an opportunity to begin a new chapter of my career and spend more time with my family, particularly my granddaughters.”

Earlier this year another key anti-online gambling Republican lawmaker, Jason Chaffetz, retired.