A month after the US Congress signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the United Kingdom hosts an online gaming conference to find solutions on how to prevent criminals from defrauding internet gamblers, protect children by preventing their access to gambling Web sites and to prevent money laundering.

Representatives from 32 countries will meet at the Ascot Racecourse outside London on Tuesday to discuss ways to implement the regulatory guidelines set forth by Great Britain in its efforts to regulate internet gambling.

“Broadly speaking we have three choices: you can prohibit, like the U.S., do nothing or regulate, like we have,” Britain’s culture secretary Tessa Jowell said. “I firmly believe we have chosen the path that will do the most to protect children and vulnerable people and keep out crime.”

“The Act directs the U.S. government in deliberations with foreign governments concerning money laundering, corruption and crime to encourage cooperation by foreign governments and relevant international fora in identifying whether Internet gambling operations are being used for money laundering, corruption, or other crimes and to advance policies that promote the cooperation of foreign governments, through information sharing or other measures, in the enforcement of the Act.” is stated within the provisions of the U.S. Act barring financial transaction to online gambling operators.

Britain’s acceleration to take the front seat as leading online gambling regulating nation is a much needed step and a welcomed one by the entire gaming community.

Britain’s move to take the lead as main promoter of internet gambling regulations brings new hope to the future of the industry and sweeps aside tainted Antigua and its banana republic style dealings.