The arrest of two Neteller executives in January of 2007 sent shock waves through the online gaming industry including internet bingo. John Lefebvre and Stephen Lawrence were arrested while changing planes in the US. Bail was set at $5 million dollars considerably more than for drug dealing or robbery. What heinous crime did they commit? Neteller is essentially an ewallet service which happens to process gambling transactions which are legal in their country of origin (Canada). Both are officially charged with “Conspiracy to transfer funds with the intent to promote illegal gambling.”
The US portion of Neteller’s business is estimated at 60% of the company’s total business. Neteller’s employees are expecting massive layoffs courtesy of the US government. Neteller froze the accounts of US players some in the tens of thousands of dollars. Just recently in July Neteller was able to start processing the return of funds to US players. The US government extorted $136 million dollars as part of a “settlement.”
At around the same time the US Department of Justice extorted $10 million from PayPal another online money transfer service.
The events leading to these arrests reveal the basest sort of hypocrisy. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed using the sleaziest of methods. This law is really an amendment to the Port Security Act passed in 2006. It was tacked onto the Port bill at the last moment, presented in a late night session of congress without time for debate by right wing congressman Bill Frist. The stated purpose was to “protect public morals.” What gambling has to do with port security is never made clear. Pure and simple, this was pandering to a tiny minority of religious conservatives using the most dishonest methods and violating the rights and privacy of American citizens.
The hubris of the US government in this case is astounding. That two citizens from another country can be arrested for activities that are perfectly legal and acceptable in their country of origin is disturbing to the world community at large. The US government has ignored rulings by both the World Trade Organization and the European Union related to gambling.
For internet bingo players there are alternatives available such as Firepay, 900Pay , Instadebit, and other ewallet companies. A quick search will reveal which of these companies still service US players. Some have pulled out of the US market but others are courageous enough to support the right of American citizens to do what they see fit with their own money.
US players should be aware that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act does not criminalize players. It merely blocks financial institutions from handling funds related to gambling. Do your own research, exercise your rights, and enjoy internet bingo games! Try to obtain the best bingo bonus and bingo promotions while you are researching the many bingo sites that are out there!
