UIGEA Getting Clarified, New Law Introduced

Filed in archive Poker Laws on August 6, 2008

More confusing internet gambling legislation is on the way, according to an article at Pokernews.com that covers the newest attempt by the United States government to clarify just what is, and isn't a legal wager. The similarly named Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Clarification and Implementation Act of 2008 was introduced recently to clarify the ambiguous definitions of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Unfortunately, this new bill just seems to dig the ditch of cluelessness deeper and leaves more questions then answers.

As Haley Hintze reports (follow the link to the whole article):

The language in Sessions' bill does not actually clarify the UIGEA's most glaring flaw, the law's lack of a workable definition for "unlawful internet gambling," but instead tries to parse its way around the UIGEA hole by stating that the UIGEA is intended to go

after sportsbooks and online sportsbetting. (Major professional sports leagues such as the NFL lobbied strongly to get the UIGEA passed.) According to H.R. 6663's language, "No provision of this Act, or any amendment made by this Act, shall be construed as clarifying or implying that Internet bets or wagers, other than sports bets or wagers, which were accepted subsequent to October 13, 2006, are in violation of Federal law."

Does it mean Party Poker can return to US turf along with its casino package? Can Tilt and PokerStars come out from their bunkers and open up the flood gates many online grinders once enjoyed? That will depend on the interpretation of the newer law should it pass.