Even Horse Racing Victim of Foul UIGEA
One of the few nods made by the framers of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act gave to wagering already in existence when they pushed their diabolic attachment onto a port security bill was an exemption for the horse racing industry.
However, the bill is crafted so clumsily that even unintentional victims are lining up to decry the policies enacted, and horse racing fans are in this number. Banking establishments and credit card merchants are forced to make decisions as to what constitutes illegal gambling, as the bill does not define its terms, and there are conflicts between various states' laws, and also with federal law.
If the finance companies make a mistake, there are heavy penalties they face for allowing transfers involving illegal gambling. Thus, even in a case such as horse racing, which clearly was intended to not be affected by the UIGEA, banks will play it safe and refuse any transaction involving any form of gambling.
Furthermore, while individual states have differing laws, some of which allow forms of off-track gambling, including electronic and online, the Justice Department still considers interstate wagers placed on racing a violation of the Wire Act.
Rich Muny, a member of the board of directors of the Poker Players' Alliance, advocates that all aficionados of gambling in any form, as well as Americans for free choice, contact their Senators and Representative and let them know to support Barney Frank's legislation preventing enforcement of the UIGEA, that supporting legalizing, regulating, and taxing online gambling, and the Skill Game Protection Act.
