The UIGEA Comes into effect
Gambling News - 07th June 2010
After much controversy and protest, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has gone into effect.
After a 6-month delay from December, 2009, June 1, 2010 became the date for the enforcement of the Act. The legislation, which was passed in 2006, formed part of the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act.
UIGEA prohibits the transfer of funds to online casinos and poker sites for U.S. Citizens and places the responsibility on financial institutions, such as banks, to recognize if a payment is going to an online gaming site.
In particular, title VIII of the SAFE Port Act states that "no person engaged in the business of betting or wagering may knowingly accept, in conjunction with the participation of another person, in unlawful Internet gambling credit."
"Unlawful Internet gambling" as used in the legislation has been defined as the process of placing, transmitting or receiving a wager or a bet by any method involving the use, in any way, of the Internet, in any situation where that wager or bet is unlawful under any applicable state or Federal law in the state or tribal area where the wager or bet was initiated, received or made in any way.
John Pappas, the Executive Director for the Poker Player's Alliance (PPA) stated that "it may become more inconvenient to deposit money with online poker sites."
Many industry experts have expressed their views that since the enforcement of UIGEA, new payment methods will emerge that will allow players to deposit money into their online gaming accounts.
Pappas continues to optimistic about the whole situation. He remarked that "it's not a question of if it will be legalized; it's a question of when." Pappas claims that "we are working toward having something done this year. Opponents are being neutralized or marginalized and we are gaining more supporters."
