Online poker back to the U.S.?
6th August, 2008
The online gambling laws in the United States are blurry to say the least, evidenced by the fact that there are still a great number of people in the U.S. finding their way into online gambling.
This current situation has arisen because the law, which prohibits online gambling, is ill defined and its intent unclear. Therefore, Republican Representative Pete Sessions has introduced a new bill that asks for the UIGEA to be defined and managed, with its scope and intent s clearly stated.
“While the bill is far from perfect, it goes a long way, recognizing the legitimacy and transparency of online gambling operators such as those registered on the London Stock Exchange,” said Sherman Bradley, gaming analyst with OCA. “While bookmakers would have a valid gripe about being singled out, there is certainly in Congress a desire, however naive, to keep the illusion that sports are shielded from gaming influences by laws.”
The bill grants immunity for online-gambling transactions that took place prior to the UIGEA’s passage and would relieve those legitimate gambling operators while punishing those who were not. The point of the UIGEA, according to the proposed bill, should be to bring illegitimate online-gambling operators to justice.
“Poker players may want to quibble over wording, but this bill would allow online casinos and poker rooms to operate without fear in the U.S. from the hammer of the UIGEA,” Bradley said. “There is a good chance that the online casino industry will need to compromise to achieve legitimacy in the U.S., and this bill grants much of what has been sought.”
Under the bill online poker would not violate any federal legislation, which could mean online poker in the future in America. The reality is Americans are playing poker online anyway, but maybe it will be legal sometime soon.
By Michael
