Poker News

The United States still have 10 million online poker players, according to Poker Players Research, despite Washington banning online gaming since 2006.  The law, which is known as the 'Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act' (UIGEA) has seen some of the biggest poker and casino operators run for the hills.  Some however did not bow down to Washington and continued to accept payments from US players.  These companies, unsurprisingly, are now massive in comparison to many of the others.  Some smaller poker rooms like Cake Poker have remained under the radar but is it only a matter of time before Poker Stars and Full Tilt are caught with their trousers down?

PartyGaming paid off the Justice department $105 million for gaming which took place before the UIGEA was passed.  Although expensive their thinking was that eventually the US may regulate and licence online poker for US players and PartyGaming will have paid their dues and would stand a good chance of being given a licence.  This was a shrewd move on PartyGamings part but 888.com have taken a view that if regulation ever comes about then the US would probably issue licences to US based companies.

The lobbying continues and it is not a clear cut path, many people pinned their hopes on a quick law reversal when the government changed.  This hasn't been the case.  Congressman Barney Frank is leading the political charge and is hoping his Bill will be passed very soon to allow legal online poker in the States.

Poker-Sharks view is that the taxation revenue the US are missing out on is massive.  Given the current financial situation the world is facing it's clear that they would be better off with money in their pockets.  Players aren't concerned about regualtion they are worried that their money could get frozen in a poker account pending investigation by the US Justice Department.  Give the people what they want, freedom to spend their hard earned money in a way that brings them enjoyment.

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