As previously mentioned, the passage of the UIGEA in the United States was a terrible blow to online poker web sites. Many have argued that the law “hurt the freedoms of American Poker players who feel they have earned the right…to play online poker in their own free time. It should not be the thoughts and controls of a few (politicians) who do not understand the game of online poker to decide what freedoms Americans should enjoy.”
What differentiates poker from most forms of online gambling is the skill level required to be successful. Winning is by no means a random occurrence. Also, players wager against each other, not the poker room operator, who takes a “rake” (commission) from each pot for hosting the games. In this sense, there is no “house advantage” whatsoever, so good players really do have the opportunity to win consistently, and win big.
In 2007, a countermeasure was launched in the U.S. House of Representatives to undo the harm that was done. Congressman Barney Franks, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, brought forth a new bill, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA), which would reverse the ban on Internet gambling. Franks has called the UIGEA “the stupidest law ever passed,” and he has gained support from dozens of other lawmakers, including Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, who has been a powerful voice for legalised and regulated gambling.
Under the Obama Administration, there is every likelihood that the IGREA can be passed and signed into law. Should that happen, American-directed poker rooms will flourish once again. But even if the IGREA fails to become law, poker, casino table games, slots and sports betting can be expected to grow online. Technology continues to be a driving factor, making play more fun and convenient.
For example, new three-dimensional concepts have already cropped up to make Internet gaming even more interactive. They take they lead from role-playing games. These include 3D casinos with customizable avatars, such as LeCroupier.com, and 3D games, like “Cubis,” that bring a new level of entertainment value to online play.
Meanwhile, Java-based applications are bringing gambling applications from the Internet to mobile telephones. As handheld devices become more like computers, the software will become even more sophisticated, allowing multiplayer real-time gaming in addition to the current blackjack, roulette and slot applications already available. And it certainly won’t be long until cries of “House!” are heard in supermarket aisles, as shoppers play bingo on their Blackberries while they load their carts.
This Trends Of Tomorrow Article is exclusive to croupier.com
Croupier.com / Logo is a Registered Trademark ®
Copyright © 2009 Croupier.com – All Rights Reserved.
