Thoughts on sites still open

[hoursurfing]

What are you guys thoughts on the sites that are still open. Since they decided they will stay open during this time what would make them shut down ever? It doesn't seem like the US government has the power to close them down for taking US bets.

People are scared about deposit options like Neteller closing down (which they will) but I just tried Western Union and it works great. From what I understand that will always be available.

So is the only thing that could stop US players from playing is some sort of IP blocker being put into place?

p.s. I know nothing about laws so any thoughts are welcome on this

[TheSpider]

I am praying that when the republicans loose the house and senate perhaps the dem's will try to find some way to get a pro online gambling bill passed...ort perhaps we will have to wait til we get another presedent. either way im sure the market will open back up to americans.....atleast im hoping...

[hoursurfing]

But even if that doesnt happen what is the threat to the sites that are still open?

I can only think of ISP's blocking our access because Western Union seems to solve the deposit problem.

[stillshadow]

It's funny - I've had to use Western Union for a couple of things lately and their website has a little disclaimer about, "You cannot use this service to fund illegal online gambling." However, this is easily ignored and WU probably could care less. It doesn't seem like they actually block payments to sites, so that is still definitely an option. The fees are fairly high (close to 10% on larger amounts) but that would be a small price to pay if it was the only service left.

Or how about checks or money orders? Banks have publicly stated that they aren't about to monitor checks as that would bring the entire industry to its knees. The only trick will be to give players an incentive to click our links and set up an account BEFORE they send in the checks.

[CAZ]

Originally Posted by hoursurfing

But even if that doesnt happen what is the threat to the sites that are still open?

I can only think of ISP's blocking our access because Western Union seems to solve the deposit problem.

ISP blocking access is what we have to worry about.

I am surprised that Western Union is still working.

[SunPoker.com]

There has been some analysis on the new law and the potential for ISP's to be blocked but I just don't see it happening. To my understanding the new bill has to do with banking and the financial institutions, not the ISP's. In any event, I am not an expert and at this point anything could happen.

Mark

[losercore]

Originally Posted by SunPoker.com

There has been some analysis on the new law and the potential for ISP's to be blocked but I just don't see it happening. To my understanding the new bill has to do with banking and the financial institutions, not the ISP's. In any event, I am not an expert and at this point anything could happen.

Mark

I have to agree that I have not seen anything in the bill to block users from accessing the sites. they would need to pass more legislation for this.

I hope at least

[hoursurfing]

Originally Posted by stillshadow

The fees are fairly high (close to 10% on larger amounts) but that would be a small price to pay if it was the only service left.

Yeah the fees are pretty bad. To try it out I put in $50 bucks (the min) and they charged $20 in fees.

[losercore]

Why doesn't a company called "poker union" just do the same thing as western union but charge less. Also they may be able to have no charge and charge the poker rooms for allowing them. If they are the only resource then poker rooms will pay.