Does the UIGEA Violate State Rights?
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was enacted last October, and
since the government began enforcing the Act, many American citizens and state
governments have challenged the legality of the UIGEA in terms of restricting
personal freedoms, and undermining state laws. This anti-online casino gambling
legislation is a highly polarized topic, and even state representatives and
Congressmen are weighing in on the future enforcement of the UIGEA. Fortunately
for those who support other alternatives than the UIGEA, the U.S. National
Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) is meeting this month with
specific plans to discuss the impact of the UIGEA.
The NCLGS’s is an annual event held in Las Vegas that allows a varied group of
state representatives, lobbyists, and government officials to weigh in on
land-based and online casino gambling initiatives. The NCLGS is a respected
platform that meets annually, and may have some sway in the national government.
Currently a main topic of debate is whether the government takes too many
liberties with the UIGEA. Before the UIGEA the individual state governments had
complete control over state online casino and gambling regulations and
restrictions. Some of the states enforced that right by banning internet
gambling, but the vast majority of the states allowed citizens varied amounts of
freedoms concerning online casinos. Now though, politicians fear that the states
may have lost the window of opportunity is terms of appealing the UIGEA and
returning some state powers.
Over the course of the NCLGS’s meeting, various discussion panels are set up to
cover many topics concerning the anti-online casinos legislation, and other
panels to weigh in on equally important but unrelated issues.
Before the NCLGS will officially comment on the UIGEA and the individual state
rights, the group’s President has commented that the NCLGS plans to educate
themselves on the topic and proposed alternatives before taking a firm stance on
the anti-online casino legislation.
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