U.S. LEGAL - MORE ONLINE GAMBLING COMPANY DECISIONS

(612) (6-October-2006)

Hard-headed thinking seems to have kicked in at last....

With the initial panic over last weekend's rushed US Congress action against online gambling dying down, operational companies are starting to look more objectively at the practical implications of this essentially financial restrictive US proposal.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Prohibition Act contains no provisions that would make it illegal for a person located in the U.S. to place a bet with an online gambling company. All provisions are directed at trying to stop the flow of US money to offshore gambling companies.

Jackpot Factory group started the positive ball rolling when it announced earlier in the week that whilst it was monitoring the situation it would be business as usual when it came to US players (see previous InfoPowa reports)  Several other major online casino and poker room groups have now followed suit, and as we went to press the respected Cardplayer.com site had published an excellent and practical review of the entire situation which will go some way to calming the business hysteria that has been so prevalent this week.

The Leisure and Gaming group, which includes many top online gambling companies, acknowledged the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Bill, is monitoring the situation closely and is continuing to take legal advice on any impact this may have on its business. In the meantime the group continues to operate its business in the usual course.

The important Mansion group said that the full effect of the legislation at this time remains unclear. Mansion continues to closely monitor developments of the proposed amendments to U.S. legislation, and the online gambling group is actively seeking the best legal advice to remain fully informed. "We are committed to ensuring our members are well informed, should any of the proposed regulations have an impact on the conduct of our business and the availability of our products and services," says the announcement, adding that:  "We wish to reassure our members that at this time, Mansion continues to trade normally and we remain committed to delivering the quality and standard of service that they have come to expect from us."

The Roxy Palace and Vegas Splendido online casinos told webmasters that the company will be conducting business as usual and will still accept US players at both casinos.

The Board of International All Sports Limited ("IAS") issued a statement saying that the company "....is disappointed that the USA Government is passing laws to circumvent its commitment under the General Agreement of Trade and Services to the World Trade Organisation to allow free international trade in an effort to protect USA gaming companies that operate in the USA."