Norway About To Make a Big Mistake!
Norway is about to make the same mistake as theUS and pass legislation similar to the unpopular Online Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. The act was largely unenforced because of opposition from banks which were burdened with unfunded enforcement responsibilities. In a last minute attempt to pander to extremists on the far right the Bush administration is working to finalize regulations to enforce the unpopular gambling law. The last minute regulations will make it difficult for the new Obama administration to overturn them.
The UIGEA was passed over two years ago by the United States Congress when it was hidden inside a bill supporting port security, allowing it to proceed without proper debate and investigation. Since then, the law has caused legitimate businesses in the online casino industry, such as websites offering slot games, roulette, poker, etc., to withdraw from the US market, while allowing a black market, in which consumers are helpless, to grow.
Now Norwayhas decided to emulate the United States, enacting its own version of the UIGEA. As in the US, outcry has come from every direction regarding implementation of the program. Bankers call the law unworkable and a competitive disadvantage, and civil libertarians are horrified.
Further, international law experts are concerned that the Norwegian law may violate or conflict with obligations the nation has to the European Union. The Remote Gaming Alliance has already filed a complaint with the European Free Trade Association.
The Norwegian measure makes assisting online gambling sites, for instance by processing transactions, a violation of law. Only the state-owned gambling services, including the lottery, are legal.
Once again, a government body tries to protect its competitive advantage through the harsh use of law, rather than trying to provide a superior project. Online casino players are at a loss when wanting to play their favorite online slot games. If Norway wants to ensure government revenues, perhaps it should provide the best and most varied gambling available, rather than legislate competition out of existence.
