Another One Bites The Dust

Tuesday night, U.S. federal authorities arrested two founding members of NETeller, the #1 site used by online gamblers and poker players to transfer funds between accounts. As a result of this action, NETeller has suspended all transactions between U.S. players and internet gaming sites. This is just the latest in the U.S. government's crackdown on internet gambling. (Tho state lotteries, racetracks, and Indian casinos- all sources of state revenue- remain legal.)

I've ranted about this before, but none of what I said was as focused and poignant as the speech given on the House floor by Congressman Barney Frank last July (unfortunately, there's a problem w/ the audio synch, but the words themselves are still on point).



As an avid poker player, I am disheartened by the reality that one of my favorite recreations is being taken away from me. Unfortunately, we poker players are a disorganized and self-centered group, so it's unlikely we'll influence any meaningful changes to the law in the near future. So I guess I'm just going to have to accept it. But if the government tries to limit my ability to drink or view lesbian cinema, then I'm moving to Australia.

G'day all.