Party shutting out US players, Stars {undecided}

[Reel Deal]

I don't mean to be an ass and I'm sorry if you already know this but I will add this just for your information so you know that I am not an uninformed person basing my opinion on what other people are saying/writing: I'm a practicing attorney and an adjunct law professor and I have read this bill (twice).

Please point out the part that blocks access to the sites because (1) I did not see any such language, and (2) how in the world do you enforce that?

The real meat of this bill makes it illegal for people that are in the business of accepting bets and wagers to accept money from anyone in the United States. Now, the problem with enforcing that law is that the "people that are in the business of accepting bets and wagers" over the internet are all based outside the United States and are, therefore, not bound to comply with this law b/c they are outside the jurisdiction.

I just don't see this as being "very, very bad." When the dust clears I think there will be some things that will change but I wouldn't classify them as being "very, very bad." Here's how I think things will play out:

1. Numerous sites will still allow U.S. based players (Stars, UB, Bodog, and others), some sites probably will block U.S. based players (Party, perhaps Full Tilt since a number of their principals are based in the U.S., and others);

2. You won't see U.S. based pros endorsing sites and you'll see less advertising in the U.S. for on-line poker and sports books (however, they could still use the .net as a work-around);

3. You won't see U.S. based players as affiliates (sorry TP); and

4. It might be more difficult to fund a poker account and maybe more difficult to cash out from places like Neteller (if banks don't accept EFTs from Neteller), however, you'll still be able to get money out (eg, via a check in the mail) it just might not be as fast. I don't think there's anyway a business like Neteller goes away since they are located in the Isle of Man and are also outside the jurisdiction/enforcement of this law.

So, there will be some changes and some annoyances, but I just do not see this as the complete end of on-line real money poker for players in the U.S.

[Talking Poker]

I'd appreciate it if you would expand on this sometime, either here or via PM or whatever.

I know what my take on all of this is, and how I think it will affect me (in ~9 months), but I'd like to hear yours - specifically regarding how this site might be affected.

Also, if this site is hosted overseas, does that change anything, or is the fact that the company owning this site (me) is U.S. based the problem?

[Penguinfan]

RD, I defer that as an attorney you certainly have the upper hand here, what I am saying is based off of what Nolan says, and believe me he would know.

As far as blocking the sites at an IP level, yes it was included in the bill, no I can't tell you work for word what is said, I do remember it saying something about internet providers only having to block a site if they were expressly told to by the gov't. Will our gov't do that? Well they have gone this far.

If your access to the site is blocked then that is a HUGE stumbling block in getting your money.

I was honestly relaying info I got from something Nolan posted, just trying to be helpful. In light of recent events on my part my total on-line net worth is around $190 right now, if they steal that I hope thay put it to good use, hell if they said they needed it to fight this legislation I would give it to them.

[Reel Deal]

OK, I'm off to read this thing for a 3rd time and then will report back on the "ISP blocking" issue and any issues I find that I think could effect this site.

[BrianSwa]

thanks RD,


poker playing lawyers rock.

[Talking Poker]

Thanks, boss. Much appreciated.

Beer's on me when we go to a Jag's game one of these days.... you know, since we won't be able to play in the big Sunday tourneys anyway.

[Kurn]

I'm sure the DOJ will be just as successful in forcing ISPs to block gambling site as they have been in forcing them to block kiddie-porn site.

[Talking Poker]

Don't forget the success of the CAN-SPAM (or whatever it was called) Act. I think that resulted in my SPAM going down approximately 0%. In fact, I'm sure I get more now than I used to.