Will the US Be Enjoying Legal Online Blackjack by the End of 2009?

The Bush Administration spent its final days as the governing body of the United States frantically trying to push laws into power that they knew the incoming democrats would not agree with. One of the most controversial of these was the UIGEA, which was finalized during Bush’s last days in office. This act is what restricts deposits and withdrawals from US banks to online gambling sites, and is responsible for so many online blackjack casinos refusing to accept US players. Because the act is now fully official, Obama and his administration will face a difficult challenge if they want to overturn it.

That is the bad news, but there is good news as well. First, Representative Jerrold Nadler is working to pass what he calls the Midnight Rule Act, which would allow the new administration to have a say in all changes that the previous government made during their last three months in power. This, if passed, will be a big help if Obama decides to deal with the UIGEA.

Second, Representative Barney Frank is working hard on a bill called the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act which he is expected to introduce sometime in the next few weeks. The bill would change the way the US deals with online gambling, and would open the industry considerably, make it easy and legal for players to enjoy internet casinos and other gambling sites.

While nothing is certain, and Obama has not yet taken an official stance on internet gambling, the future is still looking bright. After all, Obama has admitted to being a poker player!