And So It Begins

I just received the following email from Firepay, a popular payment system used for online gaming:

"SUBJECT: New FirePay policy for US account holders

On September 30, 2006, the United States Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

Once President Bush approves the Act. FirePay (www.firepay.com) will no longer allow US consumer payments for online gambling merchants.

* Beginning the day President Bush signs the Act, FirePay will decline any purchase transactions from US FirePay account holders at any gambling merchant site.
* Ten days after President Bush signs the Act, FirePay will decline any transfer attempt made by any online gambling merchant to a US FirePay account."

By the time I finished reading this email, I just felt so...secure. Yes, that Port Security Bill (to which Senator Bill Frist attached the Gambling Act) is already having such a great impact on our great nation. I feel so much safer knowing now that millions of Americans such as myself won't be up to such nefarious activities as playing Hold 'Em while watching the 11 pm Sportscenter. What a relief.

The Poker Players Alliance is still hoping to get a carveout for online poker, however that won't even be a possiblity until after Congress returns from the elections. If you'd like to join the Alliance, membership is $20. Membership includes a tshirt and a ribbon to wear, which as you know, is the emblem of a true American. You can wear your poker freedom ribbon when you aren't wearing your other ribbons to: support our troops, fight breast cancer, or secure genital integrity.

Meanwhile, Wicked Chops Poker has responded to this legislation by reinventing themselves as Wicked Chops State Lotteries, since other forms of gambling such as state lotteries, racetracks, and fantasy football are still legal. As great of a poker blog that it was, it's even more brilliant now. My favorite story thus far in this new incarnation is, "Poor Man Doesn't Win Virginia State Lottery Texas Hold 'Em Game."

For now, my course of action is simple. I'm pulling all of my money out of firepay and going to Vegas this weekend. If my money can't go towards online entertainment, then maybe it can be put to good use with Vegas strippers and Hard Rock cocktail waitresses. I think that's what Senator Frist would want. It's the American Way.