New suggestions post the UIGEA

After the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) that was passed last year, two more aspects of legislation in the American gaming market were suggested in the first week of June. The first of these was the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 (IGRA) suggested by Barney Frank, that calls for total reform. This bill was put forth the House Financial Services committee, where expert testimony was rendered by gaming experts, payment processing companies and other organizations. At the same time, another bill was also proposed. Titled as the Skill Games Protection Act (SGPA), this piece of legislation creates exemptions for skill games like chess, backgammon and poker from the UIGEA. Suggested by Robert Wexler of Florida, this idea is being considered a good option as compared to the IGRA. Also the SGPA clarifies references to ‘bets and wagers’ in the 1961 Wire Act and states that these terms do not refer to participation in skill games where success is determined by skill rather than chance. Experts state that given the current gaming market conditions, the suggestion of the SGPA has a good chance of acceptance even if it would make the situation between US and the World Trade Organization (WTO) a little difficult. The current situation between the two entities concerns the cross-border supply of services in gaming in Antigua, which would only worsen if the SGPA is put into effect. However many providers of gaming service argue that televised versions of skill games like poker and backgammon already enjoy a popularity in America and must be supported as they develop the skills of players. The fate of these bills is to be decided by a panel of seventy members and if passed, the bill would soon go to the House of Representatives.

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