Saturday, November 15, 2008

Micro gaming casinos no longer accepting US Players

As of November 10Th, 2008 Microgaming casinos will no longer be accepting new US players from any state. Existing players will be allowed to continue at this time. This is a reaction to a lawsuit brought on by the state of Kentucky against online casinos.

Microgaming is one of the most popular brands of software used by online casinos. Microgaming had previously stopped accepting new accounts from players residing in Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nevada, South Dakota, New Jersey and New York. Although there is no federal law specifically against online gambling, these states have enacted legislation targeted at the banking industry.

It is still legal for individuals to gamble online. The legal issue is if a bank can transfer funds for the purpose of gambling. At this time Mastercard will not, but Visa will. The easiest way to continue gambling online is with a prepaid debit card such as Solid Debit. It is a completely anonymous debit card that can be reloaded online and funds can be withdrawn at any ATM.

December Free Slot Tournament

I just got some great news from Online Vegas. They’ve informed me that they will be having a new Slot tournament. That will be free for all players. As always US players will be accepted.

From December 1st to December 15th, Online Vegas will be making history with a $100,000 Freeroll Slot Tournament. There are no feeders and no fees. 1st place is $50,000.

Although the tournament is free, there is a $25 re-buy if a player plays down his starting balance to less than $20.

Starting balance will be $100 credits, which is low for a slot tournament.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Is it legal for US citizens to gamble online?

Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) passed in October of 2006 makes it illegal for financial institutions to knowingly transfer funds for the purpose of illegal gambling. The law does not effect online players. The operators of online casinos may be violating the wire act, by transfer funds for illegal gambling. Again this does not affect the players.

The purpose of these laws is to go after the money, not the individual. Several states have placed further restrictions on the operators and many online casinos will no longer take bets from players located in these states. The states are Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nevada, South Dakota, New Jersey and New York. Many online casinos still except wagers from players outside of these states.

Golden Casino is the only casino that I know of that still accepts players from all 50 states. You can use US credit cards to make deposits. This would seem to be in violation of the UIGEA act, but that is not the players concern.

Dave Daniels
Online Casinos for US Players