Updated Response by FirePay to Online Poker BanAct Does Not Define Unlawful Internet Gambling or Make Financial Institution Activities Illegal |
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Over the weekend, Card Player was in contact with FirePay, a financial institution that handles online gambling transaction for US patrons. On Oct. 8, our office received another official response to the current online poker controversy.
This is what customer service representative Debby at FirePay Personal Accounts had to say.
"On 30 September 2006, the United States Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. The Act, upon becoming law, will prohibit gambling businesses from accepting any financial instrument in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. The Act will become law upon its approval by the President of the United States, which the Company expects will occur in the immediate near term."
She added, "The Act does not define 'unlawful Internet gambling' nor does it make unlawful any activities by financial institutions that are not themselves gambling businesses. The Act directs the United States Federal Reserve and the Department of the Treasury to develop regulations that would direct financial institutions to identify and block certain types of financial transactions connected with unlawful Internet gambling."
The FirePay Board will continue to evaluate the situation and will provide Card Player with an updated statement as this situation progresses.