Biden and Obama - Implication for the UIGEA

There was a tentative cheer from online gaming enthusiasts today after Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the 2008 election .

Biden is a strong supporter of civil liberties and despite very little in the way of direct commentary from Biden on the UIGEA, he is thought to be a supporter of legalizing online gambling.

It is speculated that the combined force of Biden and Barack Obama, who is a strong advocate for online freedom and accessibility, may take them down the track towards legalizing online gambling

Legalization of online gambling would not only be in-line with Bidens philosophy of civil liberty, it would also be seen as a stance that would help protect those US citizens that do take part in online gambling. Legalizing online gambling would give players highly regulated, reputable online casinos and poker rooms to play in that are regulated by the US government. The move would also bring in extra tax revenue into the coffers at times of economic uncertainty.

There are other links that may suggest a supportive stance for online gambling from the pair. Biden is known to be a strong supporter of gambling in general and has received support money from famous players in the casino industry, Steve Wynn and Kirk Kerkorian. Steve Wynn’s wife, Elaine Wynn is a strong supporter and of Barack Obama and serves as a member of the Nevada steering committee leadership team with a key advisory role

Influential Vegas casino icons like Wynn and Kerkorian are thought to be interested in taking on a role in creating reputable, regulated online gambling companies, should legislation take place to allow it

 Notes on Steve Wynn and Kirk Kerkorian: Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas developer. Wynn has a long history in shaping Vegas and can boast The Mirage, Treasure Island, The Golden Nugget, Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas amongst some of the Vegas properties he either owns or has developed

Kirk Kerkorian, director of MGM Mirage, who owns and operate many properties in Vegas. These include the The Mirage, Bellagio, Treasure Island, the New York-New York. In addition to that, they also bought the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur and Circus Circus.

Obama to Legalize Online Poker?