Three former MasterCard executives think internet gambling is on the cusp of legalization in the United States. The officials, Chris Thom, Ted Friedman and T.J. Sharkey, now head SecureTrading, a UK processing company that claims it plans to offer "safe financial transactions and required consumer protections" when the U.S. legalizes internet gambling.

MasterCard has reportedly shut down financial transactions from internet gambling websites, but its former officials think the time for online gaming may be approaching.

"Momentum for regulating Internet gambling in the U.S. has been building for some time," Thom said in statement. "As Congress prepares to take the final step, SecureTrading Inc.'s turnkey system is primed to enable our customers to go live the moment Internet gambling is regulated."

The UIGEA has been delayed until June 1, 2010, meaning that financial institutions will then be forced to stop payments to internet gambling websites. Lobbyists on both sides are now attempting to sway Congress.

By Staff