UIGEA Regulations Postponed By Six Months

It is now confirmed that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (also known as the UIGEA) has been delayed six months from December 1 until June 2010. This is a great victory for the Poker Players’ Alliance as well as other associations concerned with the legislation of online gambling in the US.

Barney Frank’s two proposed Internet gambling bills – HR2266 and HR2267 – claimed 53 and 65 co-sponsors. The first would put back the proposals one year to December 1, 2010 but that looks unlikely given these new developments.

However, HR2267 is a proposal for a fully licensed and regulated online gambling network in the US. With over 60 co-sponsors, it is likely to make people sit up and listen.

Poker Players Alliance chairman Alfonse D’Amato said he believes the delay is also the first step towards legal and regulated online poker in America.

“This is a great victory for poker, but an even greater victory for advocates of good and fair public policy” said D’Amato. “These additional months are critical to provide legislators time to clarify UIGEA and pass legislation to licence and regulate poker early next year.”