Setback for US online gambling advocates
17th April, 2008
Casino gambling groups seeking to overturn America's online casino ban have suffered yet another setback in their struggle.
The industry had been joined by US Congressmen Barney Frank and Ron Paul in its efforts against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement (UIGEA) bill, which criminalises online casino gambling.
One loophole that had allowed some gamers to continue using internet-based casinos was the third-party broker ePassporte, which allowed gamers to transfer funds between virtual casino bank accounts.
The UIGEA states that it is illegal to deposit funds in an online casino account, but not actually to use one - allowing casino enthusiasts to bypass the regulations by utilising such overseas broker.
But ePassporte also now appears to have bowed to pressure from the US government, issuing a press release stating that it will no longer transfer funds when the transaction is suspected of involvement in any form on online gambling.
Proponents of online gambling have accused the US government of violating civil liberties and breaking international free trade agreements through its support for the UIGEA.
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By Chris M
