Beyond UIGEA, regs, Kyl et al., etc.

[permafrost]

[ QUOTE ]
All of these represent a slow tightening of the screws, and there is no reason to assume that the regulations will simply rubber stamp the current halfway house arrangement. Here are some general insights that I here quite often from other people in the industry which may be of interest:

1. The regulations as published may be ineffective in wording, but the implementation of zero risk strategies by banks with any links to the US markets is a massive (if the the fundamental) concern. It would be infeasible for the gaming operators to end up relying on the few banks with no US presence (as it would make shutting the payment flow down simple).
2. The owners of some of the major sites do not have a limitless appetite for risk, and that appetite is directly proportional to business sustainability in other markets. I don't work for any of the big companies, but I think it is common knowledge that you will see Pokerstars leaving before the likes of FullTilt. The question is then what the implications of a cascade of new players will have on any remaining payment options at the remaining sites.
3. There are 'unknowns' in the UIGEA, specifically the site blocking provisions. Again, these are technologically impractical, but the reality remains that they don't have to operate perfectly to do huge damage. If you can knock out access to a site for even a day or so, you are going to put a lot of pressure on the owners and force a lot of casual players to ask questions.

I am therefore one of a large group of people in the industry who think the publication of the regulations will be the end of poker (as it currently exists).

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice summary. I think the site blocking aspect needs more discussion. I have read that it won't work. But being less than expert about "interactive computer services", I don't see why it wouldn't. Now you, an industry insider, admit it is diffucult, but possible. Other opinions, please?

[ QUOTE ]


I am also one of the people in the industry who thinks that once the bloodshed is over, a new dawn awaits. I have personally been working in a small team of specialists for the past six months on new products which specifically respond to the UIGEA. I expect that my company will have something available by early 2008, and I fully expect some other 'new poker' initiatives to appear by then as well.



[/ QUOTE ] For 3 or 4 months you have teased us with this; and now tell us it is 8 or 9 months away. Will the "new dawn" (are you in the marketing dept.?) ever quit awaiting? Will it be okay under all the other laws facing internet gambling businesses?