Long haul for U.S. online gambling bill: Frank

By Huw Jones

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A bill to end a ban imposed last year on online gambling in the United States will be presented within two weeks but will likely need time to garner support, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said on Thursday.

Internet gambling in the United States was effectively banned last October when President George W. Bush signed legislation outlawing gaming financial transactions.

"I want to get it undone," Frank told reporters.

Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat, is chair of the House Financial Services Committee.

The ban irked some in the European Union which is home to online gambling firms that were forced to withdraw from the United States.

The bloc's internal market chief Charlie McCreevy has hinted he may challenge the ban at the World Trade Organisation.

Last month the WTO said the ban violated international trade law as it still allowed online bets for horse racing.

Frank, who held talks with McCreevy during his visit to Europe, said the bill will be introduced or registered within a couple of weeks to test the level of support.