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Should Online Poker be Considered Gambling?
WASHINGTON, D.C. --
Everyone out there by now is familiar with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, also known as simply the UIGEA. The bill was passed by the United States Congress in 2006 as an attachment to the Safe Port Act, a bill to improve port security and minimize the risk of catastrophic terrorist events inside USA ports. Of course, the House of Representatives voted 409-to-2 in favor of the bill. The Senate approved the bill with similar percentages.
Many who voted didn't realize the Safe Port Act included a completely unrelated set of provisions to effectively outlaw internet gambling in the United States, including online poker. The UIGEA makes it illegal for banks to process credit card transactions with offshore gambling and poker establishments, making it very difficult for US citizens play, unless you obtain an offshore bank account.
Before the law passed, it was estimated that over 70 million Americans play poker, and almost 33% played online. Famous online poker sites such as PartyPoker were becoming household names in America. The classic American past-time had become an online force with companies across the globe competing for players in a virtual card room.
Now, as the debate over the UIGEA continues, its appropriate the industry begins discussing whether poker should be exempt, like horse-racing and state-run lotteries. Is online poker a skill-game and should the US government carve-out an exemption for the age-old pastime?
Poker players and their lobbyists have another chance to help answer the question.
This Wednesday at 10:00AM, there will be a hearing to discuss the issues surrounding the UIGEA, led by Representative Luis Guttierez.
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Recent Comments
| Posted by Las Vegas Ace on 04/22/2008 03:40:56 PM EST |
Folks,
This is all that i have to say:
The California Lotter ''is'' gambling!
Horse betting/wagering ''is'' gambling!
Chess ''is'' a game of SKILL!
Poker ''is'' a game of SKILL!
-- Las Vegas Ace
(aka Mr Poker Legend) |
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