PartyGaming Preparing To Re-Entering US Online Gambling Market
PartyGaming was once one of the biggest online gambling providers in the US as well as around the world. When the Unlawful Internet gambling Enforcement Act was enacted in 2006, PartyGaming pulled out of the country, but may be poised for a return. U.S. Attorney Ortiz stated, "The conduct alleged in this case reveals a blatant effort to circumvent gaming and tax laws. The notion that the type of activity alleged here is legal because it is conducted over the Internet from offshore, is pure fiction." This week, PartyGaming, one of the top online gaming companies in the world, announced that their revenue had increased by twenty-seven percent in the first quarter of 2010. That, however, was not the shocking news of the day. U.S. Attorney Ortiz stated, "The conduct alleged in this case reveals a blatant effort to circumvent gaming and tax laws. The notion that the type of activity alleged here is legal because it is conducted over the Internet from offshore, is pure fiction." "We are seeing increased momentum towards regulating online poker (in the US)," said PartyGaming Chief Executive Jim Ryan, on a conference call. "It's possible that it could happen this year and we're prepared if it does." U.S. Attorney Ortiz stated, "The conduct alleged in this case reveals a blatant effort to circumvent gaming and tax laws. The notion that the type of activity alleged here is legal because it is conducted over the Internet from offshore, is pure fiction." PartyGaming was in the news last year in the US after they reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice that cleared the company of any possible wrongdoing in the past. That agreement opened the door for the online gambling operator to re-enter the US market if, and when, the UIGEA was overturned. U.S. Attorney Ortiz stated, "The conduct alleged in this case reveals a blatant effort to circumvent gaming and tax laws. The notion that the type of activity alleged here is legal because it is conducted over the Internet from offshore, is pure fiction." The 2006 law, however, may not have to be overturned for PartyGaming to move back in on the US market. Lawmakers in several states are considering regulating online poker, and if they do so, PartyGaming would be allowed to gain licenses to operate within those states. U.S. Attorney Ortiz stated, "The conduct alleged in this case reveals a blatant effort to circumvent gaming and tax laws. The notion that the type of activity alleged here is legal because it is conducted over the Internet from offshore, is pure fiction." In addition, Representative Barney Frank has proposed legislation that would overturn the UIGEA. Frank is also pushing another bill that would lay the framework for a regulated Internet gambling industry in the US.
May 8, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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