Yet Another Reason Why an Online Casino Gambling Ban is Stupid

And yet some more ramblings on the UIGEA, although I wouldn't call CEO, Joe Saumarez-Smith's article on the UIGEA ramblings, per say. Saumarez-Smith, who oversees the UK consulting firm, Sports Gaming, as well as a number of online properties, dismantled everything the UIGEA stands for in a recent article published on the Bloomberg News website.

Okay, so who hasn't been critical on the UIGEA? I know it may seem like preaching to the choir, yet Saumarez-Smith's (I'm just going to call him Smith from now on because typing Saumarez and a dash is a real pain in the ass) scathing article on the UIGEA is a fresh reminder on not only how stupid the UIGEA really is, but also on how realistic it is to have the UIGEA overturned. How could something so dumb not be overturned?

Smith used the U.S. prohibition of alcohol in the 1920's as a mirror for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. And even though the alcohol prohibition lasted for thirteen years (until 1933) before it could be overturned, the UIGEA could very well go away much sooner. It has already been deconstructed. And now that moderately ample time has passed for analysts to see what impact the UIGEA is having, and whether or not these impacts are in line with the bills supposed intentions, overturning the UIGEA is definitely more a possible reality.

Smith cited there are just as many U.S. citizens gambling online than there were twelve months ago when the bill was passed. Furthermore, Smith quoted the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, Kevin Whyte, as saying there has not been any decrease in the number of online gamblers seeking help with addictions. It was Whyte who initially made the alcohol prohibition reference!

Although there is concession the law might have made it more difficult for children to gamble at online casinos, the bottom line is that just as many Americans are online betting, and are now at an even greater risk of not getting paid from illegitimate casinos operating offshore. To top it off, many Americans are not even aware the UIGEA exists because of its underhanded and discreet inclusion on a Port Security Bill!

Smith-Saumarez's (okay, I'll give his name one more chance simply because that's the last time I'm going to mention it in this article) most poignant comments in my opinion were regarding the current situation with the World Trade Organization. He made an excellent point by bringing light to the fact that U.S. legislators can use the WTO ruling as an excuse to overturn the UIGEA and begin taxing the online casino gambling industry. Regulation will still keep underage gamblers out of casinos, and it would certainly keep problem gambling in check. Great job Mr. S. or whatever your name is!

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