Plans are set to Implement UIGEA

It has been announced by the Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve board that plans have been set to enforce the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). This will make is illegal for online casinos and US players to use their banks or other US financial services to fund online gambling.

This may or may not affect playing poker online. It could be next year before this becomes clear. Feedback on the UIGEA is being encouraged by the government, while in the meantime, the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board will be discussing the feedback and further matters regarding the UIGEA. The government has 180 days to compile and read all the feedback which at that time that can makes changes as they see fit. So, at this time online poker players will have at least 9 months to wonder what's going to happen with online poker.

It's still not very clear exactly what online gambling situations are illegal, where online poker stands and what the next step is going to be. There is growing opposition to the UIGEA and US Congressman Barney Frank has gathered support to do away with the UIGEA, deeming it unconstitutional and enact the IMEGA (Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association).