On September 30, 2006, the U.S. Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (the "Act"). The legislation essentially prohibits online gambling, including poker. Enforcement provisions are being worked out and are estimated to take three to nine months (after the President signed the bill on October 13, 2006) before the new law becomes effective. The enforcement mechanisms as it relates to Internet Poker falls into two broad categories: Financial, where financial institutions will be required to monitor and block your funding of poker accounts; and Internet Hyperlink Blocking. Essentially, ISPs will be required to remove or disable access to internet links and hyperlinks "that reside" on the ISPs servers to "internet Gambling" upon wriiten notice from a State Attorney General, or the U.S. Attorney General. However, there is no affirmative monitoring provision for ISPs, and no liability for compliance.
What can you do now? The fight for online poker is not over, and there is a great nonpofit organization comprised of poker players and enthusiasts that you can join to help through these next crucial months. The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is an excellent political organization with a narrow focus: promote the game, ensure its integrity and protect players' rights. They will continue to demand a poker exemption to the new bill, arguing signifant differences from other forms of gaming. The PPA will also continue to engage Members of Congress about the idea of regulation and taxation as the best public policy for both the federeal government and the American poker player. Now, more than ever, the Poker Players Alliance needs your support to save online poker in the U.S. To join, go to www.pokerplayersalliance.org, where you can also find out more details about the PPA, their mission, as well as up to date news regarding the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. Please join/support the PPA, and spread the word about this organization.
