Did Congress Just Legalize Online Gambling?

Written by :

C Costigan

Published on :

13 November, 2008

Did Congress just legalize online gambling? That's what one columnist for the Kansas City Star Gaming Blog believes.

Federal regulations issued Wednesday to enforce a law passed two years ago by Congress aimed at outlawing internet gambling might achieve precisely the opposite effect, Rick Alm of the Star points out.

The reason: The rule exempts intrastate cyber gambling that is authorized by sovereign states or tribes. The rules also exempt individual gamblers from enforcement, baring the government's regulatory teeth only at commercial gambling companies that operate cyber casinos and cyber bookie joints.

And as Gambling911.com has already reported, the regulations do not define what "illegal online gambling" is. That's left up to the financial institutions who, if Congress couldn't define what "illegal online gambling" is, the banks won't be able to either.

Conflict of interest charges have been levied due to the perceived influence of a White House operative and former lobbyist for the National Football League that has long opposed internet sports betting as a threat to its integrity.

As Alm rightfully points out: "What a mess!"

For online gamblers and the operators, there was a bit more good news contained in these regulations. They don't become effective for another year (December 2009) which allows plenty of time for a repeal from the likes of Congressman Barney Frank and The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association, which is now challenging the UIGEA policy enforcement in the US courts.

Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher

Gambling News

Poker

Why Privacy is Beginning to Matter More to Online Gamblers Than Bonuses

There has been an increase in data breaches and privacy violations, which has exposed millions of people to threats and risks like identity theft, financial fraud, and intrusive monitoring. Online gamblers are no exception. For many of them, the risk has become too costly to manage.

Beyond the Neon Lights: The Soul of Japan

Wander through Tokyo for an afternoon, and you’ll see monks heading to a temple a few streets over from teenagers queuing for the latest gadget, and somehow neither feels out of place. That same restlessness shows up in how people spend their downtime too, whether that’s an arcade, an izakaya, or increasingly, betting apps that have exploded in popularity.

Jury Trial Set in Sports Betting Influencer Manny Cortez Case: Harrah's North Carolina Casino Refused to Pay $500K Bet

It was the most read article last year at Gambling911.com. A sports bettor, later identified as sports gambling influencer Manny Cortez, was filmed complaining that Caesars Sportsbook refused to pay him his $500,000 winnings after he admits to using a beard.