By Samantha Williams
On recently reading the Gore Vidal fictionalization of the life, duel with Hamilton and trial for treason of the controversial 19th century VP of the USA, Aaron Burr; there is one comment the writer claims Burr makes about freedom of speech. He says something like – I can’t remember verbatim – “US citizens have the freedom to speak as long as they are saying what politicians say they may say”! It brings to mind the issues of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and the fact that this law purportedly prevents US players from enjoying online casino games.
The law is ambiguous, convoluted and confusing to say the least; with tons of “grey” areas, and a Department of Justice which maintains that all online gambling activities, anywhere in the US are illegal. However, online poker has just been inadvertently legalised in Washington D.C. under the guise of one of the lottery operators of that city, while Washing State goes to war against payment processors.
Some online casino games are still available for US players’, in particular those operating from the Real Time Gaming software platform, and the big private online poker operators have grown to immense proportions post-promulgation of UIGEA. The belief is that these online casino games operators have not been indicted by the Department of Justice, simply because of the fact that this law will not hold much water in court.
Obviously there are many US citizens who would like to have the choice to play online casinos games legally and without restriction of freedom; they don’t play because of a natural fear of the law. On the flip side of the coin it would not be practical for the Dept. of Justice to indict every single US player who indulges in illegal online gambling. The trend seems to be that the Dept of Justice indicts companies who have admitted they have traded in online casino games after UIGEA was enacted; however, unless a firm or individual completely rolls-over, the only legal argument which seems to hold weight is when prosecutors target online payment processors. Apparently UIGEA was also passed into statue with no Senate debate and this also raises questions. This in a nutshell paints a quick portrait of how odd the law actually is.
One of the brilliant things about playing at casinos online is the fact that the handicapped, the elderly and other house-bound people, the ill and the isolated; have access to some light entertainment. Online bingo players for example, love these games and the social interaction they receive at their favorite sites.
Despite the fact that many organizations and lawmakers have kicked up a fuss regarding UIGEA and want it booted out; this call goes on being ignored. In the meantime – are people who are in the minority, who want to play legal online casino games; having their rights or freedoms to speak, to associate and do what they like with their own time and money, restricted?
