US Online Casino Banking Scenario
The United States presents a different challenge to the online casino world from many other parts of the world, due to the government’s opposition to online gambling. Online gambling operators can only offer limited banking options, and many simply choose not to accept players from the United States.
Many credit card companies have been blocking online gambling transactions already, in anticipation of the new UIGEA rules taking effect. As a result, alternative payment options, such as electronic wallets, have become more popular for American players. Even some electronic wallet companies, like Neteller for example, have withdrawn from the American market. UseMyWallet, as well as other still function in America and are providing good service.
The Department of Justice has been prosecuting individuals and organizations that process payments for online gambling since 2009. This will only increase when the UIGEA rules take effect on June 1, 2010.
While there are efforts to block UIGEA, most notably the efforts of Representative Barney Frank, they will most likely still go into effect. Time is running out and Congress simply has more important issues to deal with first. The UIGEA rules will have no influence over state laws though, and states that allow gambling will still be able to operate online casinos. This won’t allow for all forms of online gambling, but it will keep online gambling operating inside the United States.
