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Last year, President Bush saw fit to sign the Unlawful Internet Gambling
Enforcement Act into law. The measure was but forth to restrict online gambling
and online casinos in the United States. Oddly, the law is receiving
complaints, not only from poker players, but those aiding problem gamblers as
well.
Last year, President Bush saw fit to sign the Unlawful Internet Gambling
Enforcement Act into law. The measure was but forth to restrict online gambling
and online casinos in the United States. Oddly, the law is receiving
complaints, not only from poker players, but those aiding problem gamblers as
well.
Fearing a repeat of the handling of alcohol during the 1920’s prohibition,
online casino players feel the act will only succeed in forcing the industry
underground. Should that be the case, protective regulations will fly out the
window.
Michael Bolcerek, president of
the Poker Players Alliance, shares the same fear of underground online casinos.
“It has unintended consequences, just like the unintended consequences of
alcohol prohibition – the speakeasies,” said Bolcerek.
Ironically, gambling addiction
experts are criticizing the new law as well. They feel the law is not enough to
stifle the growth of the multi-billion dollar online casino industry.
Keith Whyte, Executive
Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, stated, “It will make it a
little bit less convenient for casual gamblers.” He continued, “But, heavy
gamblers and certainly problem gamblers… can easily find ways around the law.”
President George W. Bush
signed the UIGEA into law in late 2006. Under the new law, US banks and credit
card companies are forbidden to accept payment from online casinos.
Fearing a repeat of the handling of alcohol during the 1920’s prohibition,
online casino players feel the act will only succeed in forcing the industry
underground. Should that be the case, protective regulations will fly out the
window.
Michael Bolcerek, president of
the Poker Players Alliance, shares the same fear of underground online casinos.
“It has unintended consequences, just like the unintended consequences of
alcohol prohibition – the speakeasies,” said Bolcerek.
Ironically, gambling addiction
experts are criticizing the new law as well. They feel the law is not enough to
stifle the growth of the multi-billion dollar online casino industry.
Keith Whyte, Executive
Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, stated, “It will make it a
little bit less convenient for casual gamblers.” He continued, “But, heavy
gamblers and certainly problem gamblers… can easily find ways around the law.”
President George W. Bush
signed the UIGEA into law in late 2006. Under the new law, US banks and credit
card companies are forbidden to accept payment from online casinos.
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