The sky is falling

eyeongambling.com said:
Poker, Sports Betting sites respond to Internet Gambling Bill
written Tuesday, October 3, 2006

It is important to note that, once signed, the new legislation will not criminalize individuals for playing poker online. The bill will try to prevent the transfer of funds to online gaming.

Many online poker rooms and some sports books have responded to the bill.

1. Party Poker said on their website, “As a result of this development, the Board of PartyGaming has determined that if the President signs the Act (the Internet gaming bill is known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006) into law, the Company will suspend all real money gaming business with U. S. residents."

2. Full Tilt said on their website, “In the short term, we assure you that your online experience at Full Tilt Poker will not change. You will still be able to deposit and withdraw money from the site using the same methods and payment processors you have always used, and your money will remain completely safe and secure. We cannot predict how the online poker experience may change in the future, but we do not expect any immediate impact from the legislation, as the banking industry has 270 days to implement new rules after the bill is signed.”

3. Poker Stars issued a statement saying they haven't decided what to do yet.

4. William Hill announced last week they were pulling out of the US.

5. 888 has said they are leaving the US.

6. Media reports indicate Paradise Poker will stop running in the US as well as other units of their parent company, Sportingbet. The only official statement on the company website says that Sportingbet are still evaluating the legislation, and will release a statement shortly.

7. Ultimate Bet said they expect to continue to be business as usual, and don't anticipate any changes.

8. Absolute Poker said "We want to assure you that Absolute Poker games are still available and that you can continue to enjoy the site as you always have. The new law does not change the legality of playing online games nor will make us close any US customer accounts."

9. Bodog has said "It is definitely our full intention to continue doing business with customers in the United States."

10.Pinnacle Sports will continue operating as usual.

11 Superior Sports states, "After consulting with our counsel who has read the bill in detail, we cannot view this bill as anything more than the current Republican leadership throwing red meat to their ultra conservative voters. We understand this is a confusing time for many bettors, but there is nothing in the current bill that in any way makes playing illegal for the individual bettor or poker player. While we cannot predict what the future brings, we believe there is no motivation by any bank to follow through with policing where customers choose to send their money. Credit cards have been coded since 2002 and it has not stopped the gaming industry. Therefore, until such time as there is a complete block on US citizens being able to send their own money where they wish, we are 100% business as usual at Superior Book and Superior Poker."
Click to expand...

Yeah Ultimate Bet - business as usual. Screw the politicans :p

Just so you don't think I made this up:

http://www.eog.com/news/industry.aspx?id=9744
 
ap said:
October 02, 2006 02:28 PM ETBanks See Protections in Gambling BilladvertisementRelated information E-mail this article Print-friendly version

All Associated Press NewsST. LOUIS (AP) - The Internet gambling legislation passed late last week by the U.S. Congress, which led to a major sell-off of Britain-based online gambling stocks Monday, remains a concern to the U.S. banking industry but isn't as burdensome as feared.

"We got some language in the bill that looks like it protects the financial services industry," said Steve Verdier, director of congressional relations for the Independent Community Bankers of America, which represents almost 5,000 banks in the United States. "It could have been a lot worse."
Click to expand...
Another story here.
 
Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:48 PM

IMPORTANT: Your SunPoker.com account

Scott,

I'm not sure if you're aware of the recent developments in US online
gaming industry. In short, the US government has passed a law
that would prohibit banks, credit card companies, and other
financial institutions from processing gambling funds. This
controversial act was attached to a popular and completely
unrelated bill regarding Port Security (HR4954) early Saturday morning.
In this way, the act was passed because representatives were more
concerned with the major bill being made law and knew only in the
final minutes of the attachment.

It does NOT make it illegal for US citizens to play online, however
drastically affects your ability to enjoy your favorite poker and
casino games by making it difficult to send and receive your
deposits and winnings.

In light of these events, our software and ECash provider for
SunPoker.com, CryptoLogic and ECashDirect, have made the
decision to no longer service US registered accounts.

Consequently, all accounts with US based addresses will no longer
be able to play in the casino or poker room as of 12PM EST today
October 3rd.

Your account will however be available for you to log into and
request a withdrawal of your available balance.

All other accounts with non US based addresses will remain
unaffected.

Currently it is unclear as to the longer term ramifications of
these events at CryptoLogic and should the position change, we
will notify you.

In the meantime, we are hoping to make provisions so that you
are able to continue to enjoy playing and enjoy the same levels
of service and bonuses you've come to expect from us. We will
keep you updated.

Thanks for your time, and we do sincerely apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause you.

Regards

Adam
Poker Room Manager
Tried logging in but it says my account has been suspended. please contact support
Just contacted Support. They stated that ECashDirect is in the process of sending every US account that has money in thier account a check for the funds that are on the site. Checks should arrive in 10 - 14 days.

This really sucks!!!!
 
What are you so concerned about? You've got a slew of casinos nearby. What about us poor little blackjack orphans - thrown into the streets and ghettos without an Ace or face card to get us by.

What will we do???:confused:

Where will we go????:confused:

It's times like these that Mighty Mouse would fly in to save the day.
 
Well, since we have 270 days or so until the enforcement begins, maybe we should begin plan for a wing-ding of a farewell online party/tournament. Maybe Global Player and Neteller would sponsor it.

Actually, I was thinking we should book rooms at several hotels/motels around the county that offer free wireless internet and then we can have a "virtual" tournament. Bring your webcams!

In the meantime, I'll write to my represntatives, but keep in mind that I live in Virginia, home to Bob Godalette, Frank Wolf, Pat Robertson, Ralph Reid and Jerry Falwell so odds of a response, let alone a positive one are about as unlikely has a successful double-down on K-K. :sad:
 
K42

This is a job for Superman. No stinkin little rodents need apply.

Do you have a blue jump suit with a red S?
 
fgk42 said:
What are you so concerned about? You've got a slew of casinos nearby. What about us poor little blackjack orphans - thrown into the streets and ghettos without an Ace or face card to get us by.

What will we do???:confused:

Where will we go????:confused:

It's times like these that Mighty Mouse would fly in to save the day.
Click to expand...

It means I have to get dressed and drive 20 minutes, decide which one of the casinos I want to play in, and then park. Too much work.
 
Problem gambling and the internet

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said his organization had neither supported nor opposed the bill but pointed out that he did not believe it significantly addressed problem gambling. Proponents of the bill contended that online gambling encouraged addiction because it was so accessible and that it attracted underage participants.

"Addiction is not about convenience; it's about addiction. ... I've never had a problem gambler tell me that it was too hard to lose all their money," Whyte said.

As far as youthful gamblers are concerned, Whyte said that government efforts would be better spent on prevention programs than enforcement.

"Kids don't seem to have a problem getting their hands on cigarettes and booze," he said.

"That [the bill] makes it harder is not entirely a bad thing," Whyte added, "but I don't see how it prevents problem gambling."


Just some comments I thought were of interest from the Huntington Post.
 
Another bites the dust:
Due to the imminent passing of the Federal Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act on September 30 th 2006, we are no longer accepting wagers from residents in the United States. We regret to inform you that from 11am EST on 3rd October, 2006, we will be closing all your gaming accounts.

Your balance, minus any uncleared bonuses, will be refunded to you by check within the next 3 to 4 weeks.

As the world’s oldest and most respected online casino we very much hope in the months to come that the USA will see fit to license and regulate online gaming so that we can once again offer our services to you.

We apologize for any inconvenience and express our sincere thanks for your patronage.

Yours truly,


Ryan Hartley
Manager - InterCasino
 
It's very sad

Well folks,It has come & this is just the beginning.I live in Indiana & the attorney general of our state wants to check the computers in our homes for gambling software.Now of course that's impossible,however,I wouldn't be surprised if they try to make examples of some individuals.Be careful out there,it's better to go to the brick & mortar casinos than to prison.As for me,all casino sites have been deleted from my computer.Do you folks remeber the book 1984? Hmmmm
 
MMMMMmmm....

What if they pass a law that computor repair shops had to inform the law if gaming sites were on your system?

That is one way they could police your system, just a thought.
 
I'll tell Dubya when I see him tomorrow

I flip on the 10pm local news...and the top story in the valley of the sun tonight-President Bush in town to sign immigration bill. Strangely,it was not called by name,just an 'immigration bill'. No port security or internet gaming references whatsoever.
I have never been an 'activist',so to speak,but right now,I cant help but admit that I am pissed off,and plan to do something about it. Being one of the five or six liberals in this 'red' state,I should stick out like a sore thumb. Tonight,I will make my protest sign..."Gambling is not a crime". I was thinking of adding...and while you're at it,just resign"...but the sign isnt big enough.
Anyone on this board who lives in Arizona and sees this message tonight,and can spare the time,get over to the Camelback Inn out in Paradise Valley tomorrow morning and let your voice be heard.
 
CNN just announced the Bill was just signed by "dubya" no mention of a line item veto.

Nothing showing up on the AP wire yet.
 
Yep, it's now the law of the land.

UPDATE: Maybe not. I'm now hearing that the bill signed this afternoon in Arizona is NOT the Safe Port Act with included Internet Gambling provisions.
I'm sure that will be coming soon though.
 
Last edited:
AceDonovan said:
....but think about what this does to sports bettors.

Casino games can be played at B&M Indian casinos, but sports betting can only be done in Vegas or AC . . .
Click to expand...

Actually sports betting is not legal in Atlantic City.

The citizens and legislators had an opportunity to become the second State to permit sports betting, but they failed to act before a federally-imposed deadline; so Nevada is the only State in which sports bookmaking is legal.
 
Bill Frist (r-tn)

BILL FRIST (R-TN)
Top Contributors
1 FedEx Corp $38,225
2 Vanderbilt University $29,700
3 First Tennessee National Corp $28,100
4 AT&T $27,000
5 HCA Healthcare $24,800
6 Eastman Chemical $23,250
7 Powell Construction $23,000
8 Lockheed Martin $22,000
8 PaineWebber $22,000
10 BellSouth Corp $21,500
10 National HealthCare Corp $21,500
12 First American Corp $21,250
13 Harrah's Entertainment $19,250
14 American Hospital Assn $19,000
14 National Auto Dealers Assn $19,000
16 SunTrust Banks $18,750
17 American Institute of CPA's $17,500
17 Ernst & Young $17,500
17 National Republican Senatorial Cmte $17,500
20 Schering-Plough Corp $17,016
 
A-hah!

pokernut said:
BILL FRIST (R-TN)
Top Contributors
1 FedEx Corp $38,225
2 Vanderbilt University $29,700
3 First Tennessee National Corp $28,100
4 AT&T $27,000
5 HCA Healthcare $24,800
6 Eastman Chemical $23,250
7 Powell Construction $23,000
8 Lockheed Martin $22,000
8 PaineWebber $22,000
10 BellSouth Corp $21,500
10 National HealthCare Corp $21,500
12 First American Corp $21,250
13 Harrah's Entertainment $19,250
14 American Hospital Assn $19,000
14 National Auto Dealers Assn $19,000
16 SunTrust Banks $18,750
17 American Institute of CPA's $17,500
17 Ernst & Young $17,500
17 National Republican Senatorial Cmte $17,500
20 Schering-Plough Corp $17,016
Click to expand...

Good job Pokernut. As we see, this is business a usual in Washington. Quid pro quo. If you want an explanation for bad or weird behavior, follow the money. In this case, wipe out the foreign competition for a price.

What was your source for this information? I'd like to see how many other politicians Harrah's, et. al. have in their pockets, and compare this list to cosponsors of the Internet gambling legislation.
 
HARRY REID (D-NV)
Top Contributors
1 MGM Mirage $159,050
2 Harrah's Entertainment $93,065
3 Simmons Cooper LLC $73,400
4 Station Casinos $38,000
5 Baron & Budd $37,000
6 Sierra Nevada Corp $34,300
7 Citigroup Inc $33,250
8 Park Place Entertainment $31,850
9 Newmont Mining $31,799
10 Waters & Kraus $31,650
11 Lionel, Sawyer & Collins $31,000
12 Weitz & Luxenberg $25,000
13 AT&T Inc $24,300
14 Microsoft Corp $24,000
15 Cassidy & Assoc/Interpublic Group $23,662
16 American Media Inc $22,000
17 Thornton, Early & Naumes $21,000
18 Greenberg Traurig LLP $20,191
19 Petroleum Marketers Assn $20,000
20 Akin, Gump et al $19,500


This info comes from:http://www.opensecrets.org
 
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