UIGEA fallout hits Antiguan gambling operators

An Antiguan newspaper has reported that the United States’ Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has resulted in the withdrawal of a number of public gaming operators from the Antigua and Barbuda market.

The UIGEA, which was introduced last October, outlawed payment by bank or credit card companies to internet casinos, poker rooms and other online gambling companies.

The Antigua Sun newspaper was told by Antigua and Barbuda’s former gaming director Ron Maginley that: “I received some informations from a few gambling companies regarding the closing of gaming accounts during to juristictions.

“Some gambling companies have been already informed. The law here states that gaming companies must include ‘gaming’ in their names and in relation to getting accounts, undoubtedly small and local banks in this region are showing reluctance to offer new accounts, even to gambling companies registered here.

"The situation worsenes internationally where numerous banks refuse to provide or continue providing accounts to gambling companies.”

He pointed out that the Isle of Man has informed gaming companies that all gaming related accounts are to be closed.

Maginley added that “US legislation makes US banks criminally liable if funding gambling, therefore there can be a case in which even small or medium banks, growing undoubt about losing corresponding accounts, are forced to shut down local gaming accounts,”.

However, there have been recent indications of a growing groundswell of support in the United States for the relaxation of the prohibitive legislation.

Four politicians in the US have each tabled separate Bills seeking a relaxation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA).

These include Congressman Barney Frank's HR 2046, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act; Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's H.R. 2410, which calls for a study of Internet Gaming; and Congressman McDermott's H.R. 2607, which amends H.R. 2610 with a revenue component.

Congressman Robert Wexler has introduced Bill (HR) 2610 or The Skill Game Protection Act in the hope that an exception can be made for online poker gambling.

Casino News: UIGEA fallout hits Antiguan gambling operators

UIGEA fallout hits Antiguan gambling operators