A Note to all Residents of the United States of America
On Saturday September 30th, The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006
was rammed through Congress by the Republican leadership in the final minutes before
the election period recess.
How does this affect you, the internet games player/gambler? It means you will no
longer be able to play online for money. The new law, which will take effect in 3 to 9
months will prohibit any financial institution in the USA from sending money
electronically to an internet gambling site. This includes Bingo, Poker, Slots, and all other
Casino Gaming Sites.
Please be aware…gambling itself will not be illegal in the USA. But your choice to play
online will effectively be stopped. If you have the money and the time you will still be
able to fly to Vegas or Atlantic City, or visit any of the Tribal Casinos and spend as much
money as you can (or cannot) afford. Neither does the new federal law place prohibitions
on horse racing betting, state lotteries or sports fantasy leagues, (i.e….if you want to
mortgage your house and withdraw all your life savings to blow it on one night at a
casino or on lottery tickets you can still legally do so) but you won’t be able to spend
$10.00 at an online bingo hall, poker room, or slots game.
Not everyone can or wishes to go to a land-based casino. However, playing in the
comfort and privacy of your own home will no longer be an option to you once this bill
becomes law.
What can you do about this? You can write or phone your Congressman and let him/her
know that you oppose this restriction on internet gambling and how you spend your own
money. Your personal freedom is being violated.
In the meantime, many online casinos have already decided to prohibit players residing
in the USA. Others are likely to follow suit.
It is up to you, the internet gamer, to have your voice heard if you wish to see this bill
limiting your personal freedom revoked.