Key Points Outlined in the Internet Gaming Legislation Battle

As the latest round of battles over Internet gaming and poker rages in the United States, the online gambling community won an important victory as legislators voted to delay enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, until June 1, 2010.  This delay is critical to the industry as it prepares to defend itself from the practices and policies that threaten to permanently remove the online gambling and poker industries from America.

The victory by the gambling industry has ensured that enforcement of the UIGEA did not begin on its previously scheduled December 1st deadline.  This decision also gives the industry and its supporters in Congress time to identify the key points of its detractors and develop a strategy for addressing and disputing them.

The main points in favor of the legislation were: FBI testimony, Harrah’s interest in both online gambling and funding of gambling-addiction groups, funding of online accounts, and child endangerment.  Outlining these key points is critical to overturning the UIGEA and giving online players in the USA the opportunity to participate in the games they enjoy.

Testimony provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation outlined concerns about money laundering and cheating.  The concerns are based on the perceived anonymity that can be enjoyed if identities of site members aren’t properly verified.  The Poker Players Alliance, or PPA, effectively countered this concern by explaining how players not only provide credit cards, but also copies of driver’s licenses or other form of picture ID, forcing players to visually prove their identities.  This level of confirmation puts online casinos and card rooms on a level playing field with live casinos.  Additionally, oversight by organizations such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission give online gambling a high level of credibility and make it safe for those who come to play.

The case was also made that casino giant Harrah’s gave the appearance of a conflict of interest because it was considering starting an online casino while also donating money to organizations that help people with gambling addictions.  The PPA successfully refuted this point by mentioning that alcoholic beverage manufacturers would not be subject to the same objection if they donate to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  The PPA’s argument effectively reinforced the online gambling community’s credibility by showing its concern for those who partake.

While cheating was addressed in the hearings, the point actually helped to demonstrate the level of self-monitoring that is done to protect the integrity of the games.  Financial transactions are closely watched and the sophisticated software used today allows casinos to monitor the games being played and detect any suspicious behavior as it is occurring.  In addition, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and other organizations provide binding regulations and thorough investigation and punishment of questionable activities.

While opponents of online gambling will undoubtedly double their efforts to enact enforcement of the UIGEA when its deadline approaches June 1st, 2010, those presenting the case in favor of online poker rooms and casinos will continue to provide sound and compelling arguments on how they can operate safe and secure sites.  All eyes in the gambling world will turn to Washington DC in late May, 2010 as the PPA and other groups fight to preserve the rights of online poker rooms and other forms of Internet gambling.