It's
been a strange year in the world of Internet gambling,
with the political tug of war that is the liberalisation
debate having stirred emotions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Right2bet has been at the forefront of this debate throughout final few months
of 2009, blogging and campaigning for the European public's right to spend its
money how it pleases, whether that involves an a speculative gamble on the FTSE
or FWB, a hopeful punt on Accrington Stanley to defy the odds and win the English
Third Division or a last minute decision to go 'all in' during a game of poker.
The response has varied. Some countries and governments
have realised that their membership of the EU requires
their adherence to Article 49 (the EU ruling which states
that any EU licensed company may offer its services to
citizens of another Member State) and have begun to ammend
their laws accordingly. Others have not been so receptive
with Russia and Poland for example attempting to implement
near total bans on gambling over the course of the year.
The US meanwhile, has seen the Democratic Government
delay the proposed Unlawful Internet Gambling Act by
6 months, with the banking sector and general public,
led by Senator Barney Frank, coming out in support of
the industry. Right2bet would like to take the opportunity
to wish Senator Frank and our American peers all the
best for 2010, the year in which the UIGEA was supposed
to take effect.
We would also like to thank our partners for their support
throughout the year, and wish all of our supporters and
associates all the best for 2010. Don't forget that the
Right2bet petition is available at www.right2bet.net,
alongside the weekly blog, country-specific news and
the chance to email your MEP! |