Why Online Poker Sites Should Stay Out of the United States

Since 2006, online poker sites in the United States have been playing a virtual game of Russian roulette. While knowing that transactions for online poker were illegal through US banks, many decided to roll the dice, and they ended up coming up snake eyes last Fridays. Here are some great reasons why non-US based sites such as Bwin should stay out of the US until legalization of poker occurs.

You really don't want a visit from these guys.

First and foremost, the penalties for violating US laws regarding the UIGEA and bank fraud carry stiff penalties. Those that are currently being prosecuted could potentially face from 35 to 65 years in prison. In addition, they are being sued for over $3 Billion. Also, all bank accounts connected with the sites are currently seized and inaccessible by the sites. In addition, they lost their primary domains and could potentially lose any companies connected with them.

Damage to Public Opinion

Whether or not the owners and operators ever face a day of jail time, they will be viewed as criminals. They broke the law, and have now gained a reputation as criminals. UB already had a bad reputation due to the prior cheating scandal. This may be the final nail in their coffin. As far as the other companies, this affects customer perceptions not only in the United States, but also worldwide.

Legalization is Coming

While it may be some time away, poker legalization within the United States will someday be a reality. As such, those sites that observed US laws prior to the legalization will likely be the ones viewed most favorably once that online poker licenses are granted. The companies that can get into the market first will have the best chance to survive and thrive. There will be plenty of customer waiting to sign up to your site, and the best part is that it will be entirely legal. When this will happen is unknown, but it likely will happen.

Some of you may wonder why I would choose to write about this considering that this site is usually visited by poker players. There are many times I hear players talk about how that Partypoker, Bwin, or other sites should come to the US and wonder why other sites can do it. The truth is that the sites that stayed in the US are gambling, and as recent events have proven, it is a gamble that isn’t going to pay off. Sometimes the best play is to fold. It allows one to live to fight another day. That is exactly what online poker sites outside of the US are doing, living to fight another potentially profitable day.

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