Online Poker Ban Frustrates Gamblers

Online poker players now have less and less avenues to practice their hobby. Since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was signed into law, online poker sites have begun pulling out of the United States one by one.

"I've cut back probably 50 or 75%," said 37-year-old Ron Miller, owner of Miller and Associates, a tile company.

"It's still done. Certain sites have continued doing it, just because they think the law has loopholes. They may shut down at a later time."

The new law seeks to bar online gambling by cutting off the flow of money from gamblers to the sites. U.S. banks and credit card companies are now prohibited from handling transactions that are related to wagering.

"I don't like the law at all," Miller said. "I like to play online poker."

Miller said that before the law came into effect, he used to gamble on a weekly basis.

"I'm competitive, and because of my career and age, it brought back competition again. When you're 37, it's tough to compete," Miller said. "It's a nice way to unwind."

However, there are those who believe that the government made the right decision by banning online gambling altogether.

According to Lee Webster, Director of the Center for Human Potential, "If it's available, people are going to do it". Mr. Webster further states that, "It is so highly addictive; there is a potential danger that goes along with it."

December 04, 2006
Pauline Davis