In 2006, the United States passed a law known as UIGEA that charged all payment processors, banks and credit card companies with blocking any illegal online gambling transaction. The problem is that the bill failed to clarify exactly what was and was not legal and instead deferred to the state laws already on the books. However, despite saying that it was laws already in place, online gambling is also being blocked in states that have no such laws on the books.
The Department of Justice has even arrested and fined executives from major online gambling companies, not for activities since the law passed, but for activities prior to the UIGEA passage. According to them, online gambling activities other than lottery and horse racing were already illegal in the US. Despite the fact that all major companies completely pulled out of the US market once the law went into effect, the companies still fear retroactive punishment. Confusing, isn’t it?
Any Americans who think that they should be allowed to gamble online, like most of the rest of the world, can take some action to let their politicians know how they feel. There is currently a bill making its way through Congress, introduced by Rep. Barney Frank, that is an attempt to repeal or mitigate the effects of UIGEA. He has been trying to do this since the day the act passed but this time he has a lot more support. At least 45 other Congressmen have added their support to the proposal at this time. They are responding to what the American public wants.
If your Congressmen aren’t onboard with this but you think it should be passed, you can take steps to let the politicians know how you feel. Many politicians have websites where you can contact them or leave comments so start with that. Do a search online and you can find addresses to mail each of your representatives. You can also be vocal in your local area by blogging about the issue or writing letters to the editors of the local newspapers. The more publicity this issue gets, the better.
The best thing about America is that the common people do have a voice in what goes on. Unfortunately, too many have forgotten that and left things up to the politicians for too long. If you want to see changes made, then you need to lift your voice and make your wishes known.
