Online gambling - risky times?

[Thatchatch]

Risky times?

About the President’s signing of the infamous gambling law… and risky times.

While U.S. online gamblers will continue gambling online in the venues that will still accept their business, the risk of being arrested, or of being prosecuted in any way is slim in most people’s point of view; in mine as well, however there are other risks to be taken into consideration.

There is the risk for bettors that their favorite gambling sites may get ‘scared’ - as many have already - block access, and freeze their bankrolls. In the case of publicly traded companies abroad, in most instances, a return of funds, perhaps with delays will amount to annoyance.

Not scary thus far; as for your payment processors, or ‘web wallets’ discontinuing their service - as Firepay has already done - what players might experience is the same type of annoyance as above, where it’s the venue that’s spooked. Inveterate gamblers will pursue their activities with venues that will accept their ‘action’, that’s a sure bet, with no pun intended: this is where some risk may exist. How so?

Publicly traded companies, or rock-solid outlets that ‘aren’t going anywhere’, will continue to service Americans, as long as the funding of accounts is possible (look out for innovative ways around ‘legal roadblocks’); the repercussions for those companies - for not returning players funds ‘intact’, if all depositing methods become ‘unusable’, is just too big: reputation, for the Big Boys in the industry is not something: it’s everything! The danger resides elsewhere.

On the other hand, small and little-regulated (if regulated at all) sites could theoretically shut down overnight, and take the money and run! The best advise here has to be: stick to the likes of Bodog, to name a solid investment, and avoid small or obscure sites; and it goes without saying that it’d be gambling (on top of gambling!) to deposit in a new venue, born all of a sudden, that’d welcome Americans with open arms.

I know, this may be all common sense to most readers, but a little heads up never did hurt anyone after all. If any player wants to know about a site that he’s unsure of, a search on watchdog sites such as our OPU, or a little Google, or Dogpile search might avert a potential sorrow down the road. “Just because” they take American players isn’t good enough in these days of uncertainty.

Your own comments, critics or suggestions are most appreciated.

What’s your own take on all of what’s been happening to online gambling of late?


Yours truly,

[bartongrl1]

Thankfully, with Neteller, its business as usual and we still have fine casinos like Inetbet that still take US players. As do some of the microgaming casinos.

I have posted lists in each section, ie, poker rooms, casinos, and bingo rooms that still take US players. If anyone knows of other ones please let me know.

[SirWilliam58]

My thoughts on The ports Bill Act is number one.... online Gaming should have never been attached to the bill. I for one can only hope that this bill or law will take a dive after the elections. Number 2... Our government is slowly taking away the very freedoms our fathers and forefathers fought for. It is time WE THE PEOPLE stand up and be heard. PLEASE if you want to keep your rights, write to your congressmen and women, Senators, Governors. Even write the President. Let them know your feelings and thoughts of a controlled government will not stand and that YOU will not vote for anyone taking away the rights of the American People.

Please people make a stand, go to this site and express your insights to your elected officials.......Contact Your Government: FirstGov.gov Don't wait, DO IT NOW !
Your Freedoms are at stake !!!!

Alls you need to send is something like this or you may use this......

I am writing to you on the issue of the online gaming issue that was attached to the Safe port act signed by President Bush on Oct. 13th 2006.
I for one do not agree with this issue, The ports Bill Act is a good choice but it is the right of the people to use the internet to our own liking (online Gaming Issue) providing we do not hurt anyone else by doing so. I am a Member of an online gaming website, we do not personally have any gaming sites but we offer advise and tips in a forum style fashion to help the online player. This law (The Safe Port Act) needs to be reviewed and changed as to not impeed on the rights of the American people.
Thank You,

[SirWilliam58]

Well I recieved a reply from my congressman. I thought I would post it for all to read, Guess I know who not to vote for now. Below is the response.......

October 22, 2025

Dear Mr. Dollins:



Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on internet gambling. It is good to hear from you, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.



Several proposals for curbing internet gambling have been introduced in Congress for the past several sessions. The primary proponent for this legislation has been Representative James Leach [IA-02] and his bill, H.R. 4411, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Several versions of the bill were passed in the House in the past two Congresses (107th & 108th), but never passed the Senate. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed both chambers of Congress as a part of a larger package on September 30, 2006. The President signed the bill into law on October 13, 2006. The internet gambling provisions will prevent the use of credit cards and fund transfers for unlawful internet gambling and block financial transaction associated with illegal gambling.



While many Americans have the misimpression that internet gambling is legal because of the easy access to online casinos based offshore, it is not. H.R. 4954 does not change the law, but rather provides new enforcement tools to help law enforcement and financial services companies to crack down on this already illegal activity. This legislation received endorsements from the religious community, family groups, financial services groups and all the major professional sports organizations.



American dollars account for half of the $12 billion bet worldwide on the internet. FBI and Justice Department experts have warned that internet gambling websites are vulnerable to being used for money laundering, drug trafficking and terrorist financing. As a member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, my colleagues and I have taken a particular interest in this issue. I have serious concerns about terrorist financing and the possibility of terrorists laundering money through unregulated, offshore online casinos.



In addition to the threat it poses to our nation's security, online gambling does not sufficiently verify a player's age. Children are becoming compulsive, addicted gamblers in epidemic numbers through internet gambling.



Thank you again for sharing your views on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to call me with further questions or concerns. Also, you can sign up to receive the Fourth District's E-Mail Newsletter at my website by visiting Email Signup.





Sincerely,

Geoff Davis

Member of Congress



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