Poker Bill Passed

[Crosby87]

May not affect us, but the US Senate just passed their bill to "curb online gaming".

From Cardplayer.com:

It took a backdoor move by the Senate Majority leader, but the bill designed to curb online gambling in the United States has passed.

Sen. Bill Frist helped get the Internet gambling ban attached to a defense bill designed to boost security at nation’s ports. The bill passed Saturday.

The bill calls for banks to work with the federal government to stop transactions between customers in the U.S. and offshore gaming companies. The bill makes it illegal for banks and credit card companies to make transactions with online gambling companies.

The bill considers online poker a form of gambling. Recently, online poker sites have worked harder to expand its customer base outside the United States, where about 80-percent of online poker players live.

The bill will not target player but does call for prison time for people who run online gaming companies. Banks that don’t comply by the bill may also face punishment. A representive from the Independent Community Bankers of America testified to the House that its members will have trouble enforcing the act.

The United States is moving in an opposite direction concerning this issue compared to the rest of the world. The United Kingdom recently moved to tax and regulate online gambling sites, and the European Union had made it clear that it considers online gambling a product that should be allowed to be freely traded.

Just another example of America being behind the times. I can't believe that a country that spews this crap about "freedom" does something like this.

 

[Falchoon]

May not affect us, but the US Senate just passed their bill to "curb online gaming".

anything that lessens fish...... err player numbers is a bad thing

 

[Daytripper]

Completely unenforceable and it still has to go through the Senate - likely to be early next year.

They'll be ways around it. Issuing of cheques for example.
This bill only prevents the electronic transfer of monies to gambling houses.

 

[dmc333]

Apparently neteller having some problems with the amount of people trying to get their money out at the same time.

 

[Frizzo]

How dodgy is the US, seriously?

Attaching bills to other bills. Like...what kind of ******ed country allows that?

 

[The Dice Man]

Is this related to why Pokerstars isnt playing any games? Not even freerolls?


Im logged in, on a table and no cards being dealt (table is full, everyone just waiting).

No Sit&Go Tourneys listed and no play on the Hold Em tables

 

[Crosby87]

It has been announced that PartyPoker and Pokerstars are cutting ties with American players, like 888 poker has done. Poker sites stock fell dramatically today.

I guess the poker boom is about to go burst.

 

[The Dice Man]

What a joke.

The peoples from The Land of the Free are indeed very lucky to have so many Big Brothers telling them what they can and cant do with their money and freetime.

Very progressive.

 

[YOTC]

I guess the poker boom is about to go burst.

I'm hoping thats a good thing, moreso for omaha players like myself.

 

[dmc333]

Watch the main event numbers drop next year.

 

[Borgsta]

Watch the main event numbers drop next year.

It shouldnt. Its only banks that arent allowed to accept money from Poker sites. Most banks have already said this will be nearly impossible to police. Add to that, people can and will just use something simple like Neteller.

 

[red+black]

Let's Party

As you might be aware, on September 30, 2006 the United States Congress passed 'The Safe Port Act'. That measure also contained certain provisions, known as the 'Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006'.

On October 2, 2006 we made an announcement regarding the impact the legislation would have on business when, as expected, it is signed into law.

We just wanted to keep you informed about the latest developments, and address any queries that you might have regarding the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

What is the impact of the act on our business?

PartyGaming will no longer accept wagers from US customers once the act becomes law.

Customers resident in the United States, or accessing us from the USA will no longer be able to access our real money gaming services. Customers will still be able to use our play money and non-gambling services. They will also be able to cash out their present balance if they wish to.

There will be no impact for non-US customers.

A detailed FAQ on the impact to US customers will be available on our gaming websites very shortly.

What does this mean for affiliates?

We no longer recognize US customers as real money players for our gambling services.

This means that with immediate effect, there will be no per sign up plan revenues accrued for new players from the United States. Percentage Plan revenues from US customers will continue until the point those customers are unable to play for real i.e. until the legislation becomes law.

Your statistics will continue to include US players in the RMP column, though they will not be included in your accruals. Soon after the act becomes a law, the RMP column will be modified to display only non-US RMP, retrospectively starting on October 2, 2006.

Your percentage plan revenues will include revenues from US customers, until the point those revenues stop.

US customers will also no longer be eligible for sign-up bonus incentives. Players who have already received bonuses will be able to cash out a part of the bonus amount, in proportion to the wagering restrictions that have been met.

Will I be able to cash out my earnings as usual?

Your September 2006 accruals will be processed on schedule, and you will be able to cash out your earnings as usual.

What does PartyPartners still have to offer me?

By remaining a part of PartyPartners, you will continue to enjoy the benefits of PartyGaming's aggressive brand marketing strategy in non-US markets. PartyPartners will continue to offer you the best returns for your traffic, and has an excellent reputation for trust and integrity.

Will affiliates from the USA continue to be allowed to be a part of PartyPartners?

The restrictions apply only to customers located in the USA. There are no new restrictions that prevent affiliates based in the USA from promoting PartyGaming brands to non-US players.

 

[Frizzo]

If Stars and Full Tilt, etc etc carry on serving US players (which I assume they will, since as mentioned it will be impossible to police) - Party will realise what a serious f*ck-up they've made.

 

[Crosby87]

Full Tilt Poker has announced that they will continue business as usual for the 270 day period the banks have to enforce the legislation, assuming Bush signs the bill, and that's a given.

But c'mon. You'd think being a Texan, Bush would be a poker player... Lol

It shouldnt. Its only banks that arent allowed to accept money from Poker sites. Most banks have already said this will be nearly impossible to police. Add to that, people can and will just use something simple like Neteller.

It may (or may not) affect online qualifying.

 

[purple sneakers]

Stupid country, stupid law. Bunch of conservative religious freaks with nukes.

 

[Frizzo]

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker_news/news_story/1435?class=PokerNews

WTO Has Ruled Against the US in Past Cases Concerning Online Gambling
The United Kingdom is one of more than 60 nations in the world that passed laws to allow, tax, and regulate online gaming, including poker, on its soil. It’s the first truly industrialized nation to do so, as well as the richest. And as a member of the World Trade Organization, with millions of dollars at stake, it will soon have to decided to try to take on the strongest nation in the world.


The WTO has already ruled against the US for attempting to ban online gambling, and now that anti-online gambling legislation has made it through Congress, more WTO complaints will probably be filed. The U.K might find itself in that line. Read about the way it was sneaked through here, and what it means to online players here.


The WTO was set up to protect fair and free trade among its members, and it has ruled that it considers online gambling to be a product that should be freely traded. It’s hard to believe that the US won’t face more lawsuits now that it has taken a stricter approach at curbing online gambling.


A precedent has even already been established...

Read the article for the precedent case info.

 

[red+black]

What have the pros had to say about all this?

 

[dmc333]

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker_news/news_story/1435?class=PokerNews


Read the article for the precedent case info.

No matter what country, organisation or solar system rules against the US, the US will do what suits them and ignore any discussion or judgement which is not in its favour.

This bill may not make it a crime to play poker online, but it is already a felony to play online poker in Washington state (june or july this year) and it probably won't be the last state to push through similar legislation.

 

[red+black]

Hot off the press: US customers no more on PokerRoom:

http://www.bettingmarket.com/bwinwithdr010099.htm

bwin owns the Ongame Network, of which PR, HWP and PCP run on (although FCP are looking to switch to another network though.)

 

[red+black]

Email from HWP:

Dear xxxxxx,

The President of the United States has signed new legislation
that will cause HollywoodPoker to suspend accepting deposits
from U.S. players and examine potential offerings to U.S. players
that would be within the new law. Normal play will
continue for approximately 30 days while we monitor any new
developments surrounding this new legislation. During this
time you will continue to have the ability to access your
account as well as play HollywoodPoker games as you normally
would, with the exception of making deposits. U.S. Free money
play will not be affected.

All Non-U.S. players will not be affected. They will be able
to access poker, Blackjack and soon to be launched casino and
slot games, including progressive slots!

We understand that you may have a number of questions regarding
this new action, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions
section on the site to find out more:

http://www.hollywoodpoker.com/US-players-FAQ

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your
cooperation and understanding. If you think this new law is
unfair please voice your opinion by sending a mail to your U.S. Senators at:

http://capwiz.com/pokerplayersalliance/issues/alert/?alertid=8585611&type=CO

Or by signing a repeal petition online at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/LOGNOW/petition.html

Sincerely,

The HollywoodPoker Team
support@hollywoodpoker.com
www.HollywoodPoker.com
Where the "Stars" Come to Play

Bit in red: That is, it will take them 30 days to update the software to exclude US players.

 

[grrofunger]

Party Poker has completly restructured their site - no more US players at all and they have cancelled their Monster tournaments/promotion.

They are paying out any entry tickets that people had won entry to - for every entry you had depending on the level of the monster tourney you had enry to you get a portion of what the prize pool was.

I just cashed in entry tickets to the sum of $3000

It sux now without the US players though - tournaments that used to get 600 - 700 people and big prize pools now only get 100 entrants and smaller prize pools - so you're risking more money to win less money but i guess you get a better chance to win xos of less players - i dunno it just doesn't feel the same without the yanks

 

[Crosby87]

Bush signed the bill, surprise, surprise.

 

[Borgsta]

I cant believe how stupid these sites are. At least Doyle has the right idea!

Hi this is Doyle Brunson,

I know many of you will be concerned and dismayed about the bill signed into law by the President today.

I want to confirm to all existing and potential poker players that it’s business as usual here at Doyle’s Room and we continue to accept players from all over the world including the United States of America.

We at Doyle’s Room have taken extensive legal advice and believe that it is far too early to fully understand the implications of this bill on our industry. Based on the legal advice we have received, the new bill does not make internet poker expressly illegal nor does it take aim at players who enjoy online poker. However, there are some U.S. States that have existing regulations in place that may prohibit online gaming, so we encourage all of our U.S. players to review the laws of the State in which they reside.

Until such time as the law becomes clearer, Doyle’s Room will operate as normal with our full exciting range of games and tournaments at all limits.

And finally, please rest assured your money is completely secure at Doyle’s Room. I personally guarantee it.

 

[Crosby87]

Full Tilt is staying put, also. At least until the time the bill has to take effect runs out.

 

[Borgsta]

Very interesting bit of new info.

Attention All U. S. Players New Deposit Info

A new form of deposit for U S players is being created right now. It will
completely bypass the latest legislation regardless of how it is going to be
enforced in the next 270 days.

USPP INC. has been created to help all U S players deposit without violating
any laws and 3 major Poker Sites have already agreed to use this new
service.

I am awaiting conformation from Hollywood Poker.

Look for the website USPPINC.com in the next 2 weeks to be running. For
early details please call toll free in U S 877-323-8257 to find out how you
can and will own a piece of this deposit service.

Da Duck