Dutch UIGEA?

11/30/2008		Dutch UIGEA?
Home History Games News Dictionary		Even as the politics are changing in the United States, waters are turbulent in regards to the illegalization of online casinos in other parts of the world as well. The Netherlands, for example, are a prime example of how a proposal such as the UIGEA can come into existence despite vehement arguments- though this fight is not yet over. The battle has been primarily instigated by Dutch Justice Minister Hirsch Ballin, who has put forth to the government a proposal remarkably similar to the UIGEA, in that it targets the financial institutions that process transactions for online gambling companies. Persecution, then, would be focused on the Dutch bankers in order to prohibit citizens of the Netherlands from enjoying themselves with internet gaming. The fight, though it geared up this week, is not new. Ballin’s ‘Online Gambling Act’ was first introduced in January of 2008, when he suggested that a temporary license for the nation’s monopoly otherwise known as Holland Casino. The Dutch Senate rejected the proposed 3-year license. Following the introduction of his Act, Ballin accused financial institutions of participating in illegal financial transactions by processing their members’ charges with internet gambling companies not licensed with Holland, ie anyone besides Holland Casino. Further arguments following, including rejected debates about keeping online competition out of the area, despite the Netherlands’ membership in the European Union- a network of companies built on the importance of open trade of services and products. Ballin’s biggest challenge lies in proving that what he is calling ‘illegal’ actions by the banks, truly is. His claim relates back to the 1964 Gaming Act, but widespread dissention has resulted by legal experts throughout the Union regarding his claim’s merit. Most recently, the NVB (Netherlands Bankers Association) responded to Ballin’s actions by reminding him how impossible his Online Gambling Act would be to enforce. With the Dutch government already on a short leash, and close watch by the European Court of Justice for alleged transgressions against free trade within the Union, we can’t imagine that Ballin’s found himself much support within the wall, but that’s not to say that they still won’t sneak the act in- following in the UIGEA’s dark footsteps.

11/30/2008

Dutch UIGEA?

Even as the politics are changing in the United States, waters are turbulent in regards to the illegalization of online casinos in other parts of the world as well. The Netherlands, for example, are a prime example of how a proposal such as the UIGEA can come into existence despite vehement arguments- though this fight is not yet over.

The battle has been primarily instigated by Dutch Justice Minister Hirsch Ballin, who has put forth to the government a proposal remarkably similar to the UIGEA, in that it targets the financial institutions that process transactions for online gambling companies. Persecution, then, would be focused on the Dutch bankers in order to prohibit citizens of the Netherlands from enjoying themselves with internet gaming.

The fight, though it geared up this week, is not new. Ballin’s ‘Online Gambling Act’ was first introduced in January of 2008, when he suggested that a temporary license for the nation’s monopoly otherwise known as Holland Casino. The Dutch Senate rejected the proposed 3-year license. Following the introduction of his Act, Ballin accused financial institutions of participating in illegal financial transactions by processing their members’ charges with internet gambling companies not licensed with Holland, ie anyone besides Holland Casino.

Further arguments following, including rejected debates about keeping online competition out of the area, despite the Netherlands’ membership in the European Union- a network of companies built on the importance of open trade of services and products. Ballin’s biggest challenge lies in proving that what he is calling ‘illegal’ actions by the banks, truly is. His claim relates back to the 1964 Gaming Act, but widespread dissention has resulted by legal experts throughout the Union regarding his claim’s merit.

Most recently, the NVB (Netherlands Bankers Association) responded to Ballin’s actions by reminding him how impossible his Online Gambling Act would be to enforce. With the Dutch government already on a short leash, and close watch by the European Court of Justice for alleged transgressions against free trade within the Union, we can’t imagine that Ballin’s found himself much support within the wall, but that’s not to say that they still won’t sneak the act in- following in the UIGEA’s dark footsteps.