Internet Gambling: Barney Frank to Repeal UIGEA with support from the European Union

Internet Gambling: Barney Frank to Repeal UIGEA with support from the European Union

The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank of Massachusetts is about to introduce a bill to end the ban on internet gambling imposed by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Frank has called UIGEA the "stupidest law ever passed" and is looking into introduce the legislation with the help of Southern Nevada Congresswoman, Shelley Berkley and others.

"I want to get it undone," Frank told reporters.

A bill to end a ban imposed last year on online gambling in the United States will be presented within two weeks but will likely need time to garner support, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said on Thursday.

"I think a reconsideration among my colleagues is beginning but it's not far enough along yet," Frank said. "If the storm of public unhappiness is great enough then I will try to substantially revise that ban."

Could the European Union get involved?

In a letter to President George W. Bush, Arizona Senator Jon Kyl bragged about wiping out over $7 billion in market capitalization from AIM listed publicly traded gaming companies. Kyl’s actions and UIGEA bothered the European Union which is home to several internet gambling firms that were forced to withdraw from the United States. After a visit from Frank, the EU internal market chief Charlie McCreevy hinted he may challenge the ban at the World Trade Organization.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 April 2007 )

Written by Thomas Jensen

Wednesday, 11 April 2007

Online Gambling: Jenny Woo Celebrity Sex Tape Rumored to Exist!

When I initially heard the rumor two days ago, it did not surprise me one bit that Jenny Woo had a celebrity sex tape floating around. Woo is a famous super sexy online gambling industry columnist.

“Jenny Woo of Gambling911.com is the hottest woman in the online gambling industry!” exclaimed Bones McCoy of 1800-Sports.com .

Her business cards at networking events have become collector items for those lucky enough to get one. I was once sitting at a dinner meeting at GIGSE in Montreal with Jenny Woo and a few other people and a conference attendee walked up to Jenny asking her for another business card.

"I met you the other day and you gave me your business card but my buddy stole it from me! Can I please have another one?"

"Sure sweetie," exclaimed Woo as she proceeded to kiss the back of the card to leave her lipstick mark on it before she handed it over. After her fan left our area she turned to me and said, "I have already given out over 500 of these cards and the conference just started! My Editor (Christopher Costigan) is going to be so happy with me."

Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 April 2007 )

Written by Thomas Jensen

Tuesday, 10 April 2007

WSPA, Calvin Ayre Foundation Campaign to end Cruel Bear Farms

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Calvin Ayre Foundation, which was founded by Saskatchewan-born billionaire Calvin Ayre. WSPA will receive major funding from the Calvin Ayre Foundation for its on-going campaign to end the cruel practice of farming Asian bears for their bile.

"The Calvin Ayre Foundation's support will enable us to sustain and increase our efforts to end the horrific practice of bear bile farming in Asia," said Peter Davies, Director General of WSPA. "This partnership will soon bring significant benefit to the farmed bears that are captive and suffering in Asia, and I very much welcome it."

Animal welfare is one of the Calvin Ayre Foundation's major areas of focus. "We're happy to be teaming up with one of the most well-known animal protection organizations in the world," said Calvin Ayre. "This will be a joint effort to raise the level of international awareness about the intensely cruel practice of bear farming."

Bear bile is believed to have medicinal properties, and since the 1980s bile has been extracted from live bears kept on bear farms. Today, more than 14,000 bears in China, Korea and Vietnam are kept in appalling conditions, in cages no bigger than a telephone booth, while subjected to the excruciating procedure of daily bile extractions. Some bears live this horrific existence for more than 10 years. Most of the bears farmed for bile in Asia are Asiatic black bears, which are an endangered species.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 April 2007 )

Written by Thomas Jensen

Tuesday, 10 April 2007

Why should China listen to WTO if Washington Won't?

On Monday, the United States trade envoy Susan C. Schwab, announced that Washington would bring China to court at the World Trade Organization on issues concerning protectionism and piracy of intellectual property including books, music, videos, software and other goods.

China currently has a $232 billion trade deficit with the United States so I can understand the need of addressing China's protectionist tactics. Especially the issues concerning intellectual property protection, but Washington should not get to unilaterally "pick and choose" which WTO ruling it will adhere to and which it expects others to adhere to.

Ms. Schwab said that the latest steps “should not be viewed as hostile actions against China” and that resolving issues at the World Trade Organization in Geneva was “the normal way for mature trading partners” to handle differences.

Really Ms. Schwab? Everyone involved in the online gambling industry hopes you will adhere to the WTO's ruling in your dispute with Antigua & Barbuda soon. Washington is currently thumbing their nose at a WTO compliance panel's decision concerning its protectionist behavior in regards to the online gambling industry.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 April 2007 )

Written by Thomas Jensen

Friday, 06 April 2007