iMEGA.org challeges constitutionality of UIGEA in court

June 17, 9:19 AMOnline Poker ExaminerSteven Ruddock

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Online poker players across the globe should be marking July 6th on their calenders. On July 6th 2009, U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals will pass judgment on the case between The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMEGA.org) and the US Justice Department.

iMEGA is seeking to repeal the UIGEA bill Congress signed in 2006, on the grounds that it is "Unconstitutional". The July 6th decision can go one of two ways: The court could come to a decision based solely on the merits of the case; or they could decide to hear oral arguments.

One argument iMEGA is pushing is UIGEA should be "void for vagueness." In essence they will argue that the vagueness of the law allows for multiple interpretations, and therefore gives the government free reign to enforce UIGEA as it pleases. The vagueness of the bill also makes it impossible for banks and financial institutions to determine what 'Unlawful Internet Gambling' is, so they will be forced to block all transactions.

In a recent interview with Gambling911.com's Jenny Woo, iMEGA President Joe Brennan Jr., sad that despite some criticism, he feels good about the suits chances. Brennan also mentioned former Deputy Attorney General Stephen Saltzburg has been the one pushing the "void for vagueness" angle.

Read more of Steve’s articles at RUFFPOKER.COM