Gambling Laws Attacked Poker Rooms, Players Give their Opinion

Sports Betting News - July 23rd, 2009 - Written by Glen

In the past month, over $30 million dollars has been seized by the government. This money was taken from payment processors who handled online poker deposits and pay outs. Players are, quite naturally, upset by these recent happenings. We at USAPlayers have done some research on our own and polled around, asking how people are handling the issue and how they wish to proceed.

Being such a large issue, it is no wonder that all of the people who responded to the polls were aware of the issue. In weeks prior, some had been ignorant of the happenings, but national news has brought the situation to light. Online poker players are generally aware of the happenings, and opinions are various when it comes to how they will all proceed.

Over 70% of those questioned were not concerned about the seizures. The general consensus is that the payment processors may be targeted and pressure is being applied to the poker rooms themselves, but they feel confident in their poker room of choice to rectify any situation. They have all admitted that they will keep playing despite recent actions.

Roughly 20% of those questioned responded with the fact that they are worried about their money. Despite their concerns, they have also stated that they will continue to play regardless of the seizures. One commented that they are not afraid of their poker rooms going "out of business" or withdrawing from the market, as they are still making more money than they are losing.

Some of those polled found that they could not make a deposit. One of the respondents who attempted to deposit was trying to use an electronic check to put cash in his account, but was unable to. This has sparked debate about whether or not this is from the UIGEA and the banks or the poker rooms them selves.

It would seem that despite recent action by the government, poker players will remain steadfast in exercising their right to play poker. Many have stated that they will not be pushed around, and as long as the poker rooms continue to provide gaming, they will continue to play through those sites. Poker Stars and Full Tilt Poker, two of the largest Online poker rooms, have both rectified the situation. One respondent had even received additional money to compensate for his inconvenience.