Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act August 22, 2008

This act has changed the way that online Poker casinos have done business in the United States and in areas of the world that rely on the patronage of their sites by players from the United States. People have been prosecuted under this new law and there are many sites that are still operating, but only under the umbrella of fear that they are going to be the next ones in the federal prosecutor's crosshairs.

Opinions on this law have been mixed with several very vocal advocates, as well as some very famous detractors; many coming from the Poker world itself. One of the most notable of these detractors is none other than Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson. He was unhappy with both the passing of the law, as well as the reasons behind why the law was passed. He said that Poker has not become the addictive force that lawmakers have portrayed it to be and pointed to the massive popularity throughout the United States. It's true that Poker has felt welcomed in the United States for many years and law or no law the online Poker arena will continue to grow.

There have already been proposed amendments to the law, the recent of which comes from Pete Sessions, a Congressman from Texas. His proposal would lessen some of the sanctions placed on online Poker establishments, but still wouldn't take all of the teeth out of the law meaning that online Poker players could still potentially face prosecution.

Like all things that have been portrayed as evil in the past, but at the same time have enjoyed popularity, prohibition has never been the answer. Instead, taxation and regulation would be much more effective and reasonable than an outright ban. Whatever lies ahead, it should be interesting.