In 2006, Congress passed the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act, a bill that was designed to focus primarily on the safety and security of American shipping ports. The purpose of such legislation is “To improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes,” (“H.R. 4954”). Primarily, this bill focuses on exactly what the title hints at, thus receiving a 98-0 vote in the Senate and a 409-2 vote in the House of Representatives (“H.R. 4954”). The concept of increasing security and defense at American ports is something that is hard to argue with, and something that most Americans would find important. However, there is the clause, “and for other purposes” that also resides in the description of the bill. Under this description lies Article VIII of the bill, or the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Among other purposes, this bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit persons engaged in the business of betting or wagering from knowingly accepting credit, or the proceeds of credit, electronic fund transfers, checks, drafts, or similar financial instruments or the proceeds of any other financial transaction in connection with unlawful Internet gambling (this prohibition is defined by this Act as a "restricted transaction"). Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations. (“H.R. 4954”)
To paraphrase, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill concerning port security containing a provision restricting internet gambling riding on it. This provision, through the spirit and actions more than the verbiage, makes it, if not illegal, impossible for Americans to gamble within the safety and privacy of their own home. This is very important for Americans to consider, for it draws into question many ideas that have been considered for ages, including privacy, the legality of gambling in and of itself, and state’s rights. These issues are all at the forefront of the passage and implementation of the UIGEA, and something to be considered at great length. More...
Is Online Poker Legal in the USA? - UIGEA 
05-31-2010, 07:25 PM
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