Online Bingo in the United States

Online gambling has become very popular around the world.  Unfortunately, Americans haven’t had much luck when it comes to gambling due to restrictions imposed on them by the Federal government.  There are online casinos and online bingo sites claiming to allow US players, but credit card companies block any transaction related to gambling, so Americans find themselves shut off from the online gambling industry.

With the recent boom online bingo, it looks like they are finally getting an option, but they are still in danger as long as the law prohibits them.  The main reason that’s stopping US residents from gambling online is the Federal Bill that was passed called UIGEA.

Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act or UIGEA

Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is under the Safe port Act of 2006 signed by President Bush.  He signed the act into law last Oct. 13, 2006.  The UIGEA prevents the transfer of funds from a financial institution to any Internet gambling site with the exception of horse racing, online lotteries and fantasy sports.

This is the main reason why US residents are not allowed play in online bingo rooms.  Online gambling sites, networks and operators took a huge blow from this act, and many companies were forced out of the US market due to the prohibition of Internet gambling.  Now, the Act is being redrafted by the US Treasury before Bush’s administration ends.  It’s a race against time as the new president elect takes the seat on the White House for a new administration.

This last-minute push is a common practice as the administration changes, and it is called the midnight drop.  Unfortunately, this Act hasn’t clearly defined what an illegal transaction is, and there has been much confusion over the issue.  Now, a new draft was created and sent to Office of Management and Budget.

Uncertain Future of Online Gambling

Right now, the situation of online gambling is still unclear.  Generally, US residents cannot play since their deposits are just going to be blocked.  The online gambling industry is hoping that this will get cleared soon, so US residents can enjoy their favorite online bingo and online casino games like everybody else in the world.  There are online gambling sites that welcome US players, but this may also be a gamble for  US citizens.

Let’s hope that the new administration will be more sensible to the online gambling industry and community.  Obama is just about to begin his administration, so the online gambling industry has to wait and see.