Online Gambling Regulations Continue to be Debated

The Treasury Department delayed the implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act last week. Due to a letter from some lawmakers requesting the delay. Additionally, lawmakers will begin discussing Congressman Barney Frank's proposed legislation that would overturn the Act. Frank said that the delay will help "undo this ill-advised law." The Act was passed by Congress back in 2006 hidden as part of a "Safe Ports" bill. The UIGA makes it "a crime for financial institutions to process transactions that are used to place bets online." The delay will last until June 2010. Poker Resources Featured Poker Rooms: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker Ultimate Bet PokerStars Learn to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker

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.

Mike Sexton Debates Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act on Fox News

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A Note from Doyle Brunson

This is taken directly from an email I recieved from Doyle Brunson. "Hi this is Doyle Brunson, I know many of you will be concerned and dismayed about the bill signed into law by the President today. I want to confirm to all existing and potential poker players that it’s business as usual here at Doyle’s Room and we continue to accept players from all over the world including the United States of America. We at Doyle’s Room have taken extensive legal advice and believe that it is far too early to fully understand the implications of this bill on our industry. Based on the legal advice we have received, the new bill does not make internet poker expressly illegal nor does it take aim at players who enjoy online poker. However, there are some U.S. States that have existing regulations in place that may prohibit online gaming, so we encourage all of our U.S. players to review the laws of the State in which they reside. Until such time as the law becomes clearer, Doyle’s Room will operate as normal with our full exciting range of games and tournaments at all limits. And finally, please rest assured your money is completely secure at Doyle’s Room. I personally guarantee it. P.S. If you agree with me that this law is unfair and unjust, have your say now at : www.pokerplayersalliance.org" Support the poker sites that support us, play at Doyle's Room

Legalize Online Gambling Now Petition

We need to ban together in order to keep online poker legal a good first step would be to click here for the online petition to legalize online gambling.

Mike Sexton is taking a stand on behalf of online poker players in the US

Professional poker player and WPT commentator Mike Sexton is taking a stand on behalf of online poker players in the US. Known as the 'Ambassador of Poker', Mike Sexton is planning a media campaign starting in New York City this week in an effort to draw attention to how people's right are being infringed upon by the passing of Unlawful Internet Gaming Act last week. "The mission is obviously to voice the displeasure with this bill that has been passed by Congress, and to speak up for the rights of poker players, and their right to play online poker." Said Sexton He is planning to do several talk shows to demonstrate how people feel about the bill and to make sure that people know how the poker industry feels about the bill. The campaign was initiated by Party Gaming. "Party Gaming called me, and asked me if I would be willing to take the lead in expressing public sentiment against this bill". "They are going to do a big TV ad campaign, and I agreed to go back east, and do what I can. Although I am a host for Party Poker, I'm mostly going in my role as 'Poker Ambassador' to try to get the word out" Sexton also plans to take Michael Bolcerek and Barry Greenstein from the Poker Players Alliance with him. Check out Mike Sextion's book World Poker Tour(TM): Shuffle Up and Deal to show your appreciations for what he is doing for poker players everywhere. Thanks Mike!

PLAYERS' MARCH PLANNED FOR WASHINGTON ON COLUMBUS DAY

PLAYERS' MARCH PLANNED FOR WASHINGTON ON COLUMBUS DAY Short notice, but players are determined to make their feelings known Read the announcement here...

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...

The U.S. Congress is Trying to Ban Online Poker TODAY!

The following is from an email I recieved from the Poker Players Alliance "The U.S. Congress is Trying to Ban Online Poker TODAY! THIS IS NOT A TEST -- Call Your Senator Now U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is attaching the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act to a bill that is expected to be approved by the Congress early this evening. PLEASE call your Senators today and tell them that they should oppose the Internet gambling bill being part of Port Security legislation. If the Port Security bill passes, with the Internet gambling language included, your ability to enjoy poker online will be at serious risk. Each member of the Poker Players Alliance has two Senators which are listed below. They need to hear from you RIGHT NOW! Let them know that you care about your rights to play poker." Click here for a PDF file of Senator's phone numbers.

How to choose a poker site to play at.

Perhaps one of the most important decisions a poker player will make once you have learned the basics the game is where to play. For me it boils down to the following questions: What is the reputation of the site and how secure is it? If you live in the United States all online gaming sites are offshore and you have little or no legal recourse if they take your money. So look for mature well established sites that have been around for awhile and have a good reputation with online poker players. Also look for site reviews online in poker forums and sites such as this. Another good sign is if they are nationally advertised in major poker publications and/or are associated with big name poker professionals both of which make a living with their reputations. This has become even more important since the passage of the UIGEA which has caused some online poker rooms to stop doing business with Americans and encouraged some shady fly by night poker room start ups. Some of them may eventually proven safe but until then stick with the big, well established poker rooms. Any site that that The Modern Grinder recommends or allows to be advertised on this or any other site he owns has been evaluated for security, reliability, integrity and meets his high standards for a quality, fun and profitable online experience. How many real money players are there when I want to play and in the games I prefer. I specialize in Texas Hold'em so I look for sites with a lot of people playing on the Hold'em tables and tournaments. Also make sure there are enough tables or tournaments at level you play at. The functionality of the site. How easy is it to navigate and are there any unique features that make playing there a better experience. Deposit and withdrawal options. Simply put do they options that you are comfortable with are safe and reliable and work for you. Promotions, such as free roll tournaments, player points, reload and deposit bonuses. Some sites offer deposit bonuses of %100 percent or more of your deposit or allow you to accrue points that you can exchange for cash, prizes or tournament entries. It simply makes sense to take advantage of this type of free money and play the sites that offer them all else being equal. Once you are satisfied with the above issues then you can choose to play based on more subjective issues such as avatars, the look and feel sound effects etc. I am planning articles on each of these above issues but until then I've listed my current favorite places to play poker online: Absolute Poker Full Tilt Poker UltimateBet PokerStars Other Resources on Learning to Play Poker Profitably the right way: Sit N Go Pro Outstanding Poker Until next time, MG