Internet Casinos Happy Obama to Repeal Last-Second Regulations

Obviously, there are many areas of concern for the new administration, and the policy regarding Internet gambling is only one of many that will need review.

The numerous opponents of the UIGEA, including the online casinos against whom it is aimed, can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite the Treasury Department following dubious White House orders and finalizing regulations to enact the law, the changes should not be in place for any significant time.

The Washington Post reported today that President-elect Obama's team is preparing a list of regulations and policies being put in place in the waning days of the Bush administration. Any regulations that are being imposed for "overtly political" reasons stand to be swiftly withdrawn.

The list already numbers over two hundred subjects, including areas like climate change and stem-cell research. But certainly the sudden implementation of the UIGEA fits the description perfectly.

Bankers, financial leaders, and officials from both the Treasury and the Federal Reserve have testified that the UIGEA is vague, confusing, and a potential danger to the American banking system. Experts found its terms undefined and its enforcement problematic.

Yet, a White House aide in the Public Affairs office has applied considerable political pressure to force the publication of the regulations before the transition. William Wichterman is a former lobbyist who was paid until March by the NFL to lobby Congressmen to keep online gambling illegal.

Obviously, there are many areas of concern for the new administration, and the policy regarding Internet gambling is only one of many that will need review. But, considering the circumstances under which these regulations are being pushed, and taking into account Obama's promise to keep the Internet open and free from censorship, the repeal of any rules put into place seems an eventual no-brainer.