The risks of online poker

The Oct. 10 Metro article “For many young men, poker is norm” briefly noted recent fraud charges against online poker companies, but readers may not be aware that current law inhibits law enforcement from shutting down the estimated 1,700 rogue international gambling sites that are accepting approximately $6 billion each year in bets by Americans.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 fails to clearly define what constitutes “illegal gambling” and makes banks the primary enforcers of the law rather than appropriate law enforcement agencies. Also, online poker is not regulated by U.S. law. The lack of clear law and proper regulation leaves millions of Americans who are currently playing online poker at risk. Offshore sites can endanger minors and expose adult consumers to fraud, as well as become sources for illegal money laundering.

Loading...

Comments

• Weigh In
• Corrections?

Personal Post

Changing the law to provide greater clarity and enhanced law enforcement authority, combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology and strict regulation, can help combat the money-laundering threat and better protect consumers as well as those who choose to play legal online poker.

Louis J. Freeh, Wilmington, Del.

The writer, FBI director from 1993 to 2001, is a member of the advisory board of and legal counsel to Fair­PlayUSA.