Bush Strikes Again!

Posted on December 3rd, 2008

Despite objections from the hard pressed banking community the Bush administration is moving to implement the unpopular Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed in 2006. The bill is unpopular with the banking industry because of unfunded government mandates place by the bill on the banking industry. Essentially banks would assume the role of law enforcement and the bill provides no guidelines or funding for these imposed responsibilities.

The original bill was passed using the sleaziest of tactics. It was attached to a port security bill, presented in a late night session of congress with no debate, and was rammed through congress by a few far right congressmen. Even innocuous forms of gaming like internet bingo suddenly became illegal. The bill had an adverse effect on the internet bingo industry and caused the closure of many internet bingo websites.

Now the Bush administration using some of the same sleazy tactics is preparing to finalize regulations that will force financial institutions to monitor the financial transactions of customers and report suspected internet gambling transactions. The regulations are being introduced at the last minute to make it difficult for the new Obama administration to stop enforcement.

It has been revealed that the driving force behind this move is a former NFL lobbyist who has a financial interest in implementing the regulations. The NFL has actively campaigned against clarifying UIGEA regulations and has an interest in the exempt fantasy sports industry. Movement on UIGEA comes despite a commitment by the Bush Administration not to issue final regulations after November 1, 2008 except in “extraordinary circumstances.”

While it is expected that the incoming Obama administration will be more sympathetic to online gaming including internet bingo, the new regulations could make it difficult for the new administration to change them. Clearly the new regulations are being introduced to pander to certain financial interests (mainly the NFL) and social conservatives. The bill remains unpopular with the public at large.

Many observers are predicting that the goal of legalization, regulation, and taxation will be achieved during Obama’s first term. While not a high priority item, many political observers feel it will be addressed during the new administration’s first term.

For players in countries not affected by US Puritanism players are flocking to internet bingo sites in droves. Bingo websites are providing players with bigger than ever bingo bonuses and players can double of even triple their initial deposits. In the meantime internet bingo players can still play their favorite at internet bingo sites that accept US players.