Debate over the legalization of online gambling in the United States is something that has been heavily discussed by the federal legislature, but no progress has been made to stop the assault against online gambling. Unfortunately, the UIGEA is still alive, the federal government is still taking steps, wasting resources, and seizing money and domains from online gambling sites that offer fair and legitimate gaming experiences. The hammer has fallen in the past few weeks, and many gambling sites are beginning to work at insulating themselves from potential problems stemming from the UIGEA. Fortunately, players are not at risk of arrest, though there is the slight chance that their winnings will experience incredible delays when attempting to cash out. The consequences are many, and we have yet to see how the UIGEA is at all beneficial.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, colloquial known as the UIGEA, is a title under the SAFE Port Act of 2006. The UIGEA was irresponsibly tacked onto unrelated legislation, and it "prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law." The law effectively makes it so online gambling sites and payment processors are not allowed to take payments from American residents. This has nothing to do with the players, only the financial institutions and gambling sites.
The UIGEA has faced heavy criticism, not only from some members of Congress, but also online gambling companies, the World Trade Organization, and even the courts. This has been a complicated affair, as the right wing has been relentless in their unwillingness to back down. The government has since been using this law, as well as the Wire Act of 1961 and similar laws that could in theory be adapted to prosecute online gambling. Due to the hate that this law has received, it is likely that enough effort could be garnered to over turn it - especially if you help.
Here's a little insight to the audacity of the persecution of online gambling. It's the Summer of 2011. The FBI's work has been all over the news. Let's look at a few news headlines that, while seemingly unconnected, share a common bond.
The FBI is involved in both of these news stories. The first is where they have been "successful," while the second is a story mired in the failure of the same bureau. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is charged with the responsibilities of stopping federal crimes, investigating terrorism, preventing financial and cyber crimes, as well as many other facets of law. With so many major crimes out there, the FBI seems to be hung up on preventing online gambling sites from acting in the United States - despite the fact that these gambling sites are established and operating offshore in sovereign governments. It may take a serious kick from legislators to legalize online gambling, but this would not only serve to protect players from outside threats, but also from the FBI, all the while freeing up vital resources that could be used to prevent other forms of crimes from occurring.
In 2010, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act was pushed into the House of Representatives. It passed through the House Financial Services Committee, and full vote in the House was expected. This was seemingly the best chance for legalizing online gambling, but proponents to the bill had run out of time with which they could pass the bill. This does not mean that the effort is dead, it just means that those who wish to see online gambling legal will have to ask for it. This will not happen overnight, nor will it happen without a little push from the constituents of the different legislators, but it is possible. As with the American Revolution, it only takes one shot to change the way things work.
Every Senator and Representative has his or her own website. These websites can be used to directly contact those who are part of your district. If you threaten to take away their vote under the pretext that you wish online gambling to be legalized, they may be swayed to push for legalized online gambling. With enough support in the House and the Senate, there could perhaps be a shift in the way of thinking as it relates to Internet gambling.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, colloquial known as the UIGEA, is a title under the SAFE Port Act of 2006. The UIGEA was irresponsibly tacked onto unrelated legislation, and it "prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law." The law effectively makes it so online gambling sites and payment processors are not allowed to take payments from American residents. This has nothing to do with the players, only the financial institutions and gambling sites.
The UIGEA has faced heavy criticism, not only from some members of Congress, but also online gambling companies, the World Trade Organization, and even the courts. This has been a complicated affair, as the right wing has been relentless in their unwillingness to back down. The government has since been using this law, as well as the Wire Act of 1961 and similar laws that could in theory be adapted to prosecute online gambling. Due to the hate that this law has received, it is likely that enough effort could be garnered to over turn it - especially if you help.
Here's a little insight to the audacity of the persecution of online gambling. It's the Summer of 2011. The FBI's work has been all over the news. Let's look at a few news headlines that, while seemingly unconnected, share a common bond.
The FBI is involved in both of these news stories. The first is where they have been "successful," while the second is a story mired in the failure of the same bureau. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is charged with the responsibilities of stopping federal crimes, investigating terrorism, preventing financial and cyber crimes, as well as many other facets of law. With so many major crimes out there, the FBI seems to be hung up on preventing online gambling sites from acting in the United States - despite the fact that these gambling sites are established and operating offshore in sovereign governments. It may take a serious kick from legislators to legalize online gambling, but this would not only serve to protect players from outside threats, but also from the FBI, all the while freeing up vital resources that could be used to prevent other forms of crimes from occurring.
In 2010, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act was pushed into the House of Representatives. It passed through the House Financial Services Committee, and full vote in the House was expected. This was seemingly the best chance for legalizing online gambling, but proponents to the bill had run out of time with which they could pass the bill. This does not mean that the effort is dead, it just means that those who wish to see online gambling legal will have to ask for it. This will not happen overnight, nor will it happen without a little push from the constituents of the different legislators, but it is possible. As with the American Revolution, it only takes one shot to change the way things work.
Every Senator and Representative has his or her own website. These websites can be used to directly contact those who are part of your district. If you threaten to take away their vote under the pretext that you wish online gambling to be legalized, they may be swayed to push for legalized online gambling. With enough support in the House and the Senate, there could perhaps be a shift in the way of thinking as it relates to Internet gambling.
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