ePassporte stops processing online gambling transactions

American Online poker players were dealt another blow this weekend when ePassporte stopped processing transactions with online poker and gambling sites. ePassporte did not respond to the Modern Grinder's request for comment. But but online reports indicate that ePassporte was under pressure from the Department of Justice to cut ties with online poker sites. "We have been advised that the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York is conducting a widespread investigation of internet gambling, including poker," a letter sent to pit bull poker said. "All though (sic) we do not believe we have done anything illegal, we do not wish to be associated with anything that might be considered illegal by the United States government." PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker have stopped offering ePassporte as payment options on its sites. And according to the twoplustwo forums, ePassporte is allowing players to withdraw money from their accounts. (ed: If you have a balance at ePassporte it is recommended that you withdraw those funds as soon as possible) ePassporte originally rose to prominence when NETeller, Citadel and Click2Pay exited the North American market last year following the arrests of NETeller co-founders Stepehn Lawrence and John LeFebvre. Lawrence and LeFebvre eventually plead guilty to conspiracy charges. With ePassporte no longer processing online gambling transactions, American players have very few deposit and withdrawal options. Instant eChecks and prepaid credit cards are currently the only safe and relatively convenient deposit options. Instant eChecks and prepaid credit cards can't be used for withdrawals. And that's the biggest problem facing American players right now. Without ePassporte, the only way for most players to get their cash now is by check. Although ePassporte is no longer processing transactions for American players ALL of the Modern Grinder Featured poker rooms have proven to be stable and very responsive to their customer's needs. Your money is safe with them keeping in mind that withdrawals will take a couple of extra days. Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Doyles Room Full Tilt Poker PokerStars UltimateBet

Good News for Online Poker and Gambling Barney Frank Unveils Bill to Challenge UIGEA

Things have been a little quiet lately since the passage of of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act or so it seems. Finally, after weeks of speculation, Democratic Congressman Barney Frank has today introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 that would create an exemption to the UIGEA for properly licensed operators. This is very good news to all of us. According to an official press release, "The Act establishes a federal regulatory and enforcement framework to license companies to accept bets and wagers online from individuals in the US, to the extent permitted by individual states, Indian tribes and sport leagues. All such licenses would include protections against underage gambling, compulsive gambling, money laundering and fraud." Following the introduction of the bill, Mr Frank explained, "The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone." The proposed legislation would institute practical and enforceable standards to bring transparency to Internet gambling to provide appropriate consumer protection. No applicant would receive a license unless the following requirements with respect to any Internet bet or wager, are met: . Safeguards to ensure the individual placing the bet or wager is 18 years of age or older . Safeguards to combat fraud and money laundering and compulsive gambling . Mechanisms to ensure all appropriate taxes and fees are collected from individuals and the licensees . Safeguards to ensure that the individual placing the bet or wager is physically located in a jurisdiction that permits that form of Internet gambling This is very good news for poker players, gambler's and anyone who believes in protecting their rights. So I suggest you call and/or write your congresspeople immediately to voice your support of this bill right now. Poker Resources Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker UltimateBet PokerStars Learn to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker

Online Gambling Bill Co-sponsors Are Vulnerable for Re-election

This from our friends over at PokerNews.com "Millions of online gamers were outraged by the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act. Will their discontent make a difference this election year? There are a number of co-sponsors of HR 4411 and HR 4777, two related internet gaming bills, that are looking vulnerable this year and the online gaming vote could make the difference. While technically HR 4411 was the precursor to the UIGEA, HR 4777, called the Internet Prohibition Act, would have amended the narrowly defined 1961 Wire Act to specifically prohibit the use of the internet for placing bets or wagers." Read the full article here.

WHEN THEY CAME FOR THE POKER PLAYERS

Congress harmed American businesses that run online gaming sites by outlawing money transfers to those sites. We stand with those harmed and against Congress. Read the full article here.

Experts: Ban Won't Stop Online Gambling

By ADAM GOLDMAN AP Business Writer NEW YORK Oct 24, 2006 (AP)— Gamblers may look over their shoulder now, but experts say a new Internet gambling ban won't keep bettors from ponying up, just turn them on to overseas payment services out of the law's reach... Read Full Article Here. Poker Resources Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker UltimateBet PokerStars Learn to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker

Doyle Brunson on Your World with Cavuto

Poker Resources Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker UltimateBet PokerStars Learn to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker

Full Tilt Poker is here to stay!

The following is from an email I recieved from Full Tilt Poker "As an online poker player, you have probably heard about the new legislation passed by the U.S. Congress earlier this week that attempts to prevent you from being able to transfer money to online gaming sites. While this new law has prompted some sites to announce plans to abandon the U.S. market in coming days, we assure you that Full Tilt Poker will continue to provide all of its players - both inside and outside of the United States - with a full complement of real money ring games and tournaments for their enjoyment. After consultation with numerous legal experts in this field, we want to make you aware of the following: * Legal The new U.S. legislation does not in any way attempt to criminalize the act of you playing online poker. By playing online at Full Tilt Poker, you are not breaking any U.S. Federal laws. * Full Access The passage of the new Internet Gaming law will not have any impact on your day-to-day experience at Full Tilt Poker. We will provide all of our players, everywhere in the world, with full access to all of our games and tournaments. * Easy Deposits and Withdrawals We will continue to provide our players with all of the safe, secure and convenient methods for transferring money to and from the site. In fact, in recent discussions with our payment processors, we have been assured that this new law will have no immediate impact on their day-to-day business. And as always, any monies that you have on deposit with Full Tilt Poker remain completely safe and secure. Furthermore, we firmly believe that online poker is not encompassed by this new legislation. In any event, we will continue to lobby for an express carve-out for online poker and for your right to play a truly American game from the privacy of your own home and computer. We are excited about the future here at Full Tilt Poker and in the coming weeks and months, we plan to roll out many new features designed to enhance your online poker experience. We appreciate your loyalty to our site and, in turn, want you to know that we will remain loyal to our valued players in the United States and throughout the world. We look forward to seeing you at the table. Sincerely, Full Tilt Poker" Bravo Full Tilt Poker! Play Online Poker

Online gambling still in the cards?

Loopholes in law aimed at ending Internet betting may render it ineffective Read the full MSNC Article here

MSNBC launches poll on new U.S. anti-online gambling moves

The MSNBC website launched a poll Wednesday to assess opinions on the weekend legislative moves to disrupt financial flows from American players to online gambling sites. Under the heading "Should Online Gambling Be Illegal?" the poll provides the following three options for visitors: * Yes, Internet gambling fuels betting addictions. * No, people should have the freedom to wager any way they choose. * It doesn't matter what Congress passes, there will always be ways to gamble online. As of 9:05 am EST when I voted only 2.5% wanted internet gambling to be illegal and a whopping 93% said that people should be allowed to wager any way they choose. It seems congress may be a little out of touch with what the people want. No news there. Readers can find the poll and vote at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15119408/

Online Poker Industry Responds to Law Change

Some Are Leaving, Others Are Playing Wait and See Game Several online poker sites released responses to the passage of the anti-online gambling legislation. The following is a collection of those responses and more will be added as they come through. Click here to read about Congress's actions and click here to read about how it will effect online players. Read the full article at here...

Current Issues and History of Internet Gambling

Here is a fantastic article about internet gambling.

Free Poker Training!

Free Poker Training! Pay attention because this is very exciting and may only happen once! The Modern Grinder will be offering personal coaching in playing Texas Hold'em for profit. The goal of this training will be to teach what it takes to be a professional online poker player and to see if you have what it takes. This is going to be a very limited offer so watch for details. I suggest you subscribe now so you don't miss out on any future announcements.

What is the The Modern Grinder?

In the old days a grinder traveled from game to game grinding out a living one hand at a time. The scary part was you could go broke miles from home. If you were lucky it would be in a safe clean legitimate poker room but more than likely it would be in a underground game in some dirty back room where no one would testify as to how you disappeared. Come to think of it winning could be just as bad as losing in an underground games. Enter The Modern Grinder, he still eeks out a living one hand at a time, the difference is that he doesn’t have to leave the safety of his home and can ply his trade from anywhere in the world. He doesn't even have to get dressed if finds he his too busy taking down pots from his opponents who are unlikely to be hardened pros themselves but a mixture of bored housewives, college students and others seeking escape from their otherwise dull lives. They are playing for fun more than for profit and can't be bothered with things like position, pot odds or even decent hand selection. They live for the suck-out, the thrill of making their double belly buster straight. When they lose they love to complain about how their aces got cracked on the river by some idiot who pulled a lucky draw. The Modern Grinder's job is to profit from these mistakes and attitudes without ruining their fun. Hello, I am The Modern Grinder and unless we find ourselves seated at the same poker table I hope to be your friend and companion as we explore the world of modern online professional poker. I am shooting myself in the foot by sharing my hard earned (and expensive) knowledge? Not really, there are plenty of fish in the sea. My goal is to make the online poker community a better place for casual and professional poker players alike.o please join me and feel free to email at MG@ModernGrinder.com or post your questions or comments. P.S. If you are unsure of where to start I suggest you check out these articles; Texas Hold'em Basics, Poker Glossary and Poker Hand Ranking Chart. Then when you are ready check out one of our featured poker rooms and sit down to one of their free games. Poker Resources Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker UltimateBet Learn to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker