Report Finds US Banks Continue to Service Internet Gambling
Americas Watchdog unearths evasion of UIGEA
Wednesday 29th August 2007
Americas Watchdog has released the findings of a report on the ‘Involvement of US Banks and Major US Credit Card Issuers in Internet Gambling’ and have discovered that not all companies are adhering to the guidelines of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), introduced to the US in October 2006.
Following a 10-month investigation Americas Watchdog has revealed that some of the US’ most prolific credit card/debit card issuers and US banks continue to fund off-shore 'casino' activities, although the UIGEA makes it illegal for banking facilities to accept money transfers to and from online gambling sites, effectively making Internet gambling illegal for US citizens.
As part of the investigation, Americas Watchdog used the services of four leading online casinos from November of 2006. These were a UK-based casino (call centre), a South African casino and two Antigua-based casino/sportsbooks.
All four casinos were seen to be contravening the UIGEA by accepting US custom and payments from US banks.
Americas Watchdog has released the findings of a report on the ‘Involvement of US Banks and Major US Credit Card Issuers in Internet Gambling’ and have discovered that not all companies are adhering to the guidelines of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), introduced to the US in October 2006.