Daruma

Poker, Sports Betting sites respond to Internet Gambling Bill
written Tuesday, October 3, 2006

It is important to note that, once signed, the new legislation will not criminalize individuals for playing poker online. The bill will try to prevent the transfer of funds to online gaming.

Many online poker rooms and some sports books have responded to the bill.

1. Party Poker said on their website, ?As a result of this development, the Board of PartyGaming has determined that if the President signs the Act (the Internet gaming bill is known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006) into law, the Company will suspend all real money gaming business with U. S. residents."

2. Full Tilt said on their website, ?In the short term, we assure you that your online experience at Full Tilt Poker will not change. You will still be able to deposit and withdraw money from the site using the same methods and payment processors you have always used, and your money will remain completely safe and secure. We cannot predict how the online poker experience may change in the future, but we do not expect any immediate impact from the legislation, as the banking industry has 270 days to implement new rules after the bill is signed.?

3. Poker Stars issued a statement saying they haven't decided what to do yet.

4. William Hill announced last week they were pulling out of the US.

5. 888 has said they are leaving the US.

6. Media reports indicate Paradise Poker will stop running in the US as well as other units of their parent company, Sportingbet. The only official statement on the company website says that Sportingbet are still evaluating the legislation, and will release a statement shortly.

7. Ultimate Bet said they expect to continue to be business as usual, and don't anticipate any changes.

8. Absolute Poker said "We want to assure you that Absolute Poker games are still available and that you can continue to enjoy the site as you always have. The new law does not change the legality of playing online games nor will make us close any US customer accounts."

9. Bodog has said "It is definitely our full intention to continue doing business with customers in the United States."

10.Pinnacle Sports will continue operating as usual.

11 Superior Sports states, "After consulting with our counsel who has read the bill in detail, we cannot view this bill as anything more than the current Republican leadership throwing red meat to their ultra conservative voters. We understand this is a confusing time for many bettors, but there is nothing in the current bill that in any way makes playing illegal for the individual bettor or poker player. While we cannot predict what the future brings, we believe there is no motivation by any bank to follow through with policing where customers choose to send their money. Credit cards have been coded since 2002 and it has not stopped the gaming industry. Therefore, until such time as there is a complete block on US citizens being able to send their own money where they wish, we are 100% business as usual at Superior Book and Superior Poker."

and more to come

__________________