Conservative Groups Laud Freezing Of Funds

June 16, 2009 - Written by Renee

Last week over $30 million were frozen by the U.S enforcement authorities. These funds had been remitted by online casinos and poker rooms through two e-cash processors to be forwarded to online players who had requested withdrawals from their accounts. One of the banks where the funds were seized is the Wells Fargo Bank. The Poker Players Association (PPA) condemned this action and also termed it illegal. The U.S. authorities claimed that they had followed the established legal procedure. Most of the affected online casinos and poker rooms have found alternative means to remit the funds to their players. 

Whereas there was all round condemnation of this move, it has found support in some conservative groups. Shari Rendall of Concerned Women of America said, “The effects of gambling are pervasive, and they need to be stopped.” Ken Darnell, a founder of Gambling Exposed, said. “They should do everything they can within their power to curb it.” Focus on the Family also supported the funds seizures. Their website praised the US authorities for enforcing the UIGEA, which actually comes into effect only on December 1, 2009. 

Sherman Bradley, an online gambling analyst, points out the mistaken notions behind such bigoted outbursts. He says that such groups spreads myths and lies to impose their lifestyles on others. He cites the example of a letter written to the Congress that states, “The prevalence of gambling addiction is three to four times higher with Internet gambling versus non Internet gambling.” Bradley said that a long term in-depth study by no less an organization than Harvard Medical School had demonstrated that the contrary was true.