The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act
May 2008 - When the Republican Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, it seemed American poker players were about to lose the ability to play at sites that were located in the United States where the quality of play could be assured. There was then an immediate flurry of online gaming sites looking to withdraw from the U.S. market and gamblers in us online casinos began to think about other ways to get their gaming fix.
This act did not make online gambling illegal. It simply made the transfer of funds from credit card companies to online gambling sites illegal. Of course, without an easy way to transfer funds between online gaming sites and their customers, the scope of U.S. gaming sites would be severely restricted.
H.R. 2046: The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act
Since then, the political climate has changed. Online sites are beginning to inch back towards the U.S. and Congress is looking for ways to secure the freedoms of online gamblers, while ensuring the integrity of online systems. One such effort is the proposed H.R. 2046: The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act.
What is the IGREA?
The IGREA is designed to put into place a regulation system that allows the government to license online gambling companies to accept bets from U.S. players - assuming state laws regarding gambling are honored. These licenses would require strict regulation ensuring underage players were not allowed. Problem gambling was addressed and fraud prevention measures were in place.
The Benefits of the IGREA
In addition to giving Americans the freedom to use their hard-earned money as they so choose, the IGREA would offer protection to American gamblers. Many of these gamblers may now be forced to enjoy gambling through inadequately regulated or even illegal means, meaning the safety of their money, their identities, and even their persons may be compromised. In addition, the IGREA would allow the government to tax online gambling, pumping untold billions into the Federal economy.
What is the Future of the IGREA?
The bill was introduced last year and is still moving through the House. The more people come out in support of the bill, the faster it is likely to become law.
