US Congressman Barney Frank’s second attempt at bringing some clarification and restriction to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has gone considerably better than his first. The new bill from Frank managed to pass its first hurdle; a vote by the Financial Services Committee. Next step in the process is to go to the house floor for open discussion. The UIGEA is an act that prohibits unlawful online gambling which includes all poker, sportsbetting and casino games. The problem with the issue is first – it blatanlty fails to define what even constitutes unlawful gambling, and secondly forces the countries banking system to be used as law enforcement.
The big argument speadheaded by the Poker Players Alliance is that Poker is not unlawful gambling as it is a game based upon skill not just odds. Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato and Poker Players Alliance chairman commented on on the motion saying, “The PPA is pleased that the House Financial Services Committee today recognized the need to provide necessary clarification to what constitutes ‘unlawful internet gambling’. Good news for all you US players!
Tags: Online
