Microgaming Sites No Longer Accepting U.S. Online Gamblers
The online casino industry is buzzing today as Microgaming has made a decision to block new United States customers from signing up to Internet gambling sites powered by their software. Although many of the Microgaming casinos will continue to accept plays from established American customers, new applicants will be refused.There is much speculation as to the causes of the Microgaming action. Attempts to contact company representatives have been unsuccessful. The Microgaming pages all simply state "Site Not Available."
The Kentucky forfeiture case is thought to be at least a contributing cause of the decision. Even though Microgaming's website hosted no actual gambling, it was prominently featured among the sites whose domain names were threatened by the Kentucky courts.
The Kentucky case has caused online casinos to realize the variety of dangers and legal challenges open to harass them in the U.S. Between attorney costs, potentially devastating legal orders, and the increasing difficulty in payment processing, the American market had become perilous to legitimate business, in some minds.
Further, Microgaming already had blocked thirteen states since the passing of the UIGEA. Any state with existing laws on the books which made online wagering illegal was on the Microgaming no-play zone.
There is also speculation that Microgaming is positioning itself for the best possible full return to the U.S. With the advent of an overwhelmingly Democratic Congress, the legalization and regulation of online gambling is considered a matter of time. But there is certainly a chance that companies most strictly adhering to present law will have the best chance of receiving American licensing.
While Microgaming clients such as the Jackpot Factory and Vegas Affiliates stop taking new players, sites powered by other software will almost certainly pick up a great number of players in the transition. Even current Microgaming customers have to be wary of another change in policy, to blocking all u.s. players, which would result in a messy situation regarding existing accounts.
In the meantime, online casinos powered by Real Time Gaming and Vegas Technologies continue to take all U.S. players, bringing far more action to such sites as Cherry Red Casino, Rushmore Casinos, Golden Casino, and Online Vegas.
