UIGEA making the headlines again: Hope for US Online Poker

Contributing Writer: Sue Coyle

In October of 2006, President Bush signed the Unlawful International Gambling Act (UIGEA). Regulations were supposed to follow within a year, but a year and a half later they are still in the proposal stage. Nothing concrete has been decided. Why? Opposition. Very few individuals, corporations or organizations are able to agree on the proposed regulations.

Fortunately, April may be a month of change, or at least action. On the second at 10:00 am, there will be a hearing to discuss the proposed UIGEA regulations, held by the Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology Subcommittee. The hearing will examine whether the planned directives will benefit the majority or will prove to be more trouble than they’re worth. It should provide some sort of answer to the many questions currently revolving around the UIGEA.

Therefore, you, as an avid poker player, will want to know what happens. Luckily, you have several options. You can watch the hearing live, via webcast; you can read a printed version of the hearing, which will be posted online; or you can sign up for e-mail updates and receive a summary of events after the fact.

All options and more information are available at the House Committee on Financial Services Web site. Check in frequently, for as the hearing draws closer more details will be added, enabling you to remain as informed as possible.

Online Poker in the US?

In a thread at Pocket 5's the poker talent is watching the online gaming legislation in the United States. The country that is notorious amongst online poker players for denying their citizens personal liberties and the opportunity to chose where to play poker online. There is speculation about the timing about a legal online poker room in the US.

The way the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is written any online gambling establishment based outside the United States is unlawful. It does not cover any statutes with in the boarders. Should an US casino establish an online gaming venue, they would be considered legal, on the federal level. The complication comes when players in various states are involved with the games, as specific states and specific counties have laws regarding online gambling, some making this form of entertainment a violation and a felony.

Ok, but we're talking about online poker right? There is a difference between online poker and roulette. This is where pocket 5er's contribute some valid points for the politicians to consider.
First of all - the UIGEA is against their own basis for law, the constitution.
Second - There would be no real need to recreate or change the UIGEA as poker is a game of skill and should be exempt as are other cards games such as Hearts and Spades. These games of skill are permitted to charge entry fees to tournaments and more legally, as would be needed for any poker event.

This blog could easily turn into a rant. So we are going to end this here.