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Much discussion has been floating around the net as to whether it is now legal or illegal to play poker online for American Players. Whether it's news articles, players blogging, or forum chatter, it seems that everyone is either looking for answers or handing them out.
I can't tell you for certain whether or not it is legal. I am not a law expert. I'm not a lawyer, nor am I a legal analyst of any sort. I'm just a poker playa with a blogging problem.
I can, however, tell you this. I have an opinion on the matter. It's of my opinion that there is a law on the book, affectionately referred to as the UIGEA. I can tell you it is aiming towards us online gambling types and the casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. I can tell you that the law aims specifically to pressure money transfers to and from our banks and credit cards.
I can tell you that this law is trying to squeeze us. I cannot, however, tell you whether or not playing poker online is legal or illegal.
I personally believe the law to be unconstitutional in many aspects. I believe this issue of gambling to be a state, not a federal issue. I believe we'll continue to hold tournaments for as long as we're able to. I believe that this legislation is open to interpretation. I believe poker rooms such as party are correct in their interpretations. I also believe rooms such as poker.com and pokerstars are correct in theirs.
I believe that everyone has a right to an opinion and to also state their opinion on the matter, whether it's that it is or is not legal...
I welcome the opinions and personal interpretations here at the Poker Pub at any time... even if it does not agree with what I believe.
Mike
