Online gambling bill defeated

[bigboydan]

Online gambling bill defeated

25 June 2008

By Vin Narayanan

The House Financial Services Committee rejected a bill Wednesday that would have prohibited the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve from proposing and implementing regulations to enforce the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

In its mark-up session, the Committee adopted an amendment proposed by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) that would not only stop the implementation of any UIGEA regulations, but would also force the Treasury Department, the Justice Department and the Federal Reserve to sit down and define unlawful Internet gambling. King said that this "was a banking issue, not a gambling issue" and that the banking industry shouldn't be in the position of determining what is legal and illegal.

The King amendment was defeated by the full committee with a vote of 32 for and 32 against. The original bill proposed by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) was defeated in a voice vote.

The defeat is a blow to both the online gambling industry, which has been looking for ways to repeal the UIGEA, and the banking industry, which wants no part in trying to regulate the online gaming industry.

"The PPA is surprised that the Financial Services Committee today failed to clarify what constitutes 'unlawful Internet gambling' under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)," said Alfonse D'Amato, chairman of the Poker Players Alliance. "The King Amendment would have required a separate formal rulemaking with an administrative law judge to determine the definition of unlawful Internet gambling."

"The Federal Reserve, Department of Treasury and the banking industry have all testified before Congress that the lack of a definition of 'unlawful Internet gambling' makes it extremely difficult if not impossible to enforce this law and would result in a broader review and denial of financial transactions because they could possibly be deemed unlawful under UIGEA," D'Amato added.

[SBR Lou]

It could be worse, all this means is we are stuck in purgatory, in a standstill. Nothing will change, they are never going to spend the resources or brainpower to actually stop us or make it any more difficult than it already is to gamble online. So no need to worry, if it's legal eventually great, if not we are left with the options we currently have and whatever books or payment processors decide to give us in the future.

[betplom]

Good, I need Neteller back. Soon!

[SBR Lou]

Don't sweat fellas, this is no different than a longshot bet doing what it's supposed to do a vast majority of time- lose. We will still be able to do what we want, and the good news is it doesn't figure to get any harder to accomplish that.

[topgame85]

oh well what could we expect? They will never stop this thing so let them play their games while taking money from vegas casinos and horse lobbies on the side, Ron Paul Revolution is what this country needs and the tyrants to be dethroned

[Willie Bee]

Good, I need Neteller back. Soon!

You need to talk to your Canadian government about that, not the oppressive U.S. I would've thought that the Canadians would have already found a way to skirt about mean ol' America. If what the feds here have done to Neteller is so wrong, then the Canadians need to grow a set, stand up for it and make it right for their peoples.

Not even being able to get through mark-up means this bill had little chance on the house floor more than likely. And who knows? Maybe if it had gone through the definition that the Treasury and Justice departments might have given to unlawful internet gambling could have been even more restrictive than it is currently. In some ways, this 32-32 defeat might be the best thing for bettors.

[SBR Lou]

In some ways, this 32-32 defeat might be the best thing for bettors.

We didn't really lose, just pushed.

[betplom]

You need to talk to your Canadian government about that, not the oppressive U.S. I would've thought that the Canadians would have already found a way to skirt about mean ol' America. If what the feds here have done to Neteller is so wrong, then the Canadians need to grow a set, stand up for it and make it right for their peoples.

The government here had nothing to do with the Neteller fiasco.

The reason Neteller stopped serving Canada was because of the agreement made with US Attorneys as part of a plea bargain.

The Government of Canada has no problem with Neteller, they operate here legally as a registered corporation and comply with Canadian law. Neteller "chose" to leave the Canadian market. (wink, wink)

It's the US government that initiated the entire process.

As far as the US Government is concerned, it's ok for them to meddle in other countries affairs, it's certainly not ok for "foreign" governments to get involved in US politics.

The Canadian Government is far more respected around the globe than the US Government could ever hope to be, and rightfully so.

[bettilimbroke999]

We didn't really lose, just pushed.

Agreed, defeated 32-32? Must be a soccer bet

[SBR Lou]

Agreed, defeated 32-32? Must be a soccer bet

Thats what I'm saying..

[Wrigley]

Agreed, defeated 32-32? Must be a soccer bet

why didnt they go to pk's

[Willie Bee]

The government here had nothing to do with the Neteller fiasco.

The reason Neteller stopped serving Canada was because of the agreement made with US Attorneys as part of a plea bargain.

The Government of Canada has no problem with Neteller, they operate here legally as a registered corporation and comply with Canadian law. Neteller "chose" to leave the Canadian market. (wink, wink)

It's the US government that initiated the entire process.

As far as the US Government is concerned, it's ok for them to meddle in other countries affairs, it's certainly not ok for "foreign" governments to get involved in US politics.

The Canadian Government is far more respected around the globe than the US Government could ever hope to be, and rightfully so.

If it helps you get through the day believing all of that, then on behalf of all Americans I am glad we could contribute.

[betplom]

If it helps you get through the day believing all of that, then on behalf of all Americans I am glad we could contribute.

Can you back up your sarcastic remark with any useful information?

Willie please enligten us all, and give us your input.

After all the world looks to America for its excellent ideas.

Perhaps fact doesn't register with you very well.

Americas "contributions" are the root of many of the worlds problems. Thanks for nothing.

[robzilla]

As a Canadian I am outraged that Neteller is allowed to operate out of Canada while refusing service to Canadians. The very people who pay taxes that allow this company to be here.

[Willie Bee]

Can you back up your sarcastic remark with any useful information?

Willie please enligten us all, and give us your input.

After all the world looks to America for its excellent ideas.

Perhaps fact doesn't register with you very well.

Americas "contributions" are the root of many of the worlds problems. Thanks for nothing.

I gave my input earlier about this bill. And you have given your input that the US is an evil monster in many a thread. That's your opinion, and one that I don't share. I doubt I could 'enligten' you at all because your anti-US bias runs too deep and simply won't allow you to be 'enligtened.'

[betplom]

I gave my input earlier about this bill. And you have given your input that the US is an evil monster in many a thread. That's your opinion, and one that I don't share. I doubt I could 'enligten' you at all because your anti-US bias runs too deep and simply won't allow you to be 'enligtened.'

The US government IS an evil monster, its policies have historically caused much suffering to many people on this planet, there are many Americans that know this very well.

I have no problem with US citizens personally, hell, my parents are US citizens, so are some of my aunts/uncles and in-laws.

Willie you've not even attempted to enlighten me, so your "doubt" is self fulfilling, and convenient.

My "Anti-US bias" makes me part of the majority of citizens on this planet. There is nothing to like about an imperialistic government such as the one in power in the United States.

I find that Americans that take issue with those that criticize the US government are blinded by their own patriotism.

The American government spews more propaganda than China and Russia combined, and the patriots eat it all up.

I've met and still know alot of great people that happen to be American, it's not these people that are despised, it's the government.

[jjgold]

Gambling bill only effects post up above average players

[sickler]

Willie Bee, the govt of the day in Canada (Harper led Tories) is kowtowing to the almighty US. Canadian soldiers wouldn't be in a combat role in Afghanistan if the Libs were in power.

Our PM has made no secret of his desire to improve relations with the US. The Bush Brigade cracking down on internet gambling is of concern to the Canadian gambler.

You say "then the Canadians need to grow a set, stand up for it and make it right for their peoples."

Our federal government? Ha!

[Marigold HD]

As a Canadian I am outraged that Neteller is allowed to operate out of Canada while refusing service to Canadians. The very people who pay taxes that allow this company to be here.

I second that Robzilla