Some Games are OK Under UIGEA

Even though this week saw some major developments in the industry, namely the shutting down of the Neteller operations in the United States with all the concern online gambling sites, there are some aspects that are getting clearer over time. Since the passing of the UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the status of games was unclear. But as time passed, a surprising benefit has been discovered and it has to do with poker. State residents are allowed to participate in online gambling which is conducted within their state borders, attorneys say, which includes poker. The UIGEA was signed into law in October of last year and made it unlawful for financial institutions to handle online gambling transactions from Americans.

"There is not enough money in it," said Tony Cabot, a Las Vegas attorney. Nevadas' State Gaming Control Board has already approved several companies to become licensed operators of mobile devices in the state. This follows from a law known as AB 471 which permits mobile gambling in Nevada casinos that the State of Nevada passed in 2005. Some experts and industry specialists disagree. "I dont see it happening at this point," said Thomas Auriemma, of the Division of Gaming Enforcement Director for New Jersey.

Auriemma believes that there is no great desire for online gambling in New Jersey at the present time. He has discussed the prospect with gaming lawyers for the past five years. Only time will tell what will happen with the online casino industry and the individual states in the United States . One thing is certain: this issue is not going to disappear and will reappear on the governments agenda again. Regarding the state legislatures, it already is on the agenda. And so we might find out the certain games are OK and that Americans may legally play them, as other gambling venues remain legal, most notable horse racing.