The Online Gambling Industry’s Struggle Within the US Continues

Submitted by Evan on Thu, 2010-02-11 at 21:20

Online poker is a favourite among US players but the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has forced many to either forget about the game or play illegally. But more than 2.5 million US citizens wager more than $30 billion on online poker sites every year so the UIGEA doesn’t seem to be scaring off many Americans.

Online poker operators are risking a great deal by accepting US players. There is the possibility of being fined a huge amount of money and never being able to obtain a gambling license in the US if the UIGEA is ever thrown out.

Right now, the US is split in their decision about online gambling. Some states are beginning to realize the huge benefits to the economy if regulated online gambling was allowed. Operators would have to purchase a license and renew it every year. But the big money would come from national operators because the money would go right back into the US economy. Other states, however, are more concerned about the effects online gambling could have on individuals and their families. Gambling addicts are shown to have a higher suicide rate over any other addiction because of the financial strain.

If it is passed, the UIGEA will come into effect on June 1st, 2010 but there is still a good chance that the decision to regulate online gambling will be passed instead.