Hope For US Poker?
The Pocket Five’s forum is abuzz with players who are wondering if change is about to come within the US online poker industry. Many hold out hope that within the upcoming elections, our newly elected leaders will see the unconstitutionality of the UIGEA and make some long overdue changes. While this would be a huge win for US poker players, whether the outcome of the election will affect the legalities and formalities that complicate the current online poker situation in this country, only time will tell.As the document stands, the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) has very strategically worded clauses that seem to unfairly target the online poker industry within this country. Should the wording be only slightly altered or amended, it would be fairly simple to establish a US-based online poker room, completely in line with all federal guidelines. However, the individual laws of the states are where the real issues come into play. Some of these laws are subject to excessive fines and even felony charges.
Some of the wording that leaves poker players so exasperated is the references to the legality of entry and other fees on a game of skills, rather than a game of chance. As the current classification stands, the UIGEA considers poker to be in the latter category. However, other card games, such as Spades or Hearts, are considered games of skill. How is the deal of cards a chance within poker, yet a skill in other card games? Why would it be legal to pay to play in a Spades tournament, but illegal to pay to play in a poker tournament? Seems to be a bit unfair in the reasoning and biased against the poker world.
Online Gaming Online Poker Rooms onling gambling law UIGEA
Flushy McAllin said
am February 21 2008 @ 7:28 pm
This election will be a crucial decision maker for the future of online poker in the United States.. thats for sure!