The online poker world was shook back in April when the US Department of Justice seized the domain names of two of the largest online poker rooms and indicted both with charges of bank fraud and other charges relating to online gambling laws in the US.
It appears that the US Government have stepped up to pressure on Online gambling websites that offer services to US customers. As well as indicting two of the worlds largest online poker providers the US Government have turned there attentions to online Bingo operators too.
Funtime Bingo customers met with the same image when logging into there accounts on Funtime bingo this week that says that the website has been seized by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations. The Seizure notice explains that a warrant has been obtained with the assistance of the US Attorneys Office and issued by the US District Court of Maryland.
Funtime Bingo have reopened using a different domain name and are keeping customers updated by using a Facebook page, and look not to be too concerned with the seizure of there dot website.
Other online bingo providers are taking this seizure as a sign of things to come and only last week, World Bingo Network announced they were to close there entire network giving customers the following statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of World Bingo Network and all sites. A challenging environment and circumstances beyond our control have made it impossible for us to continue operations. It is our intention to ensure that all players are taken care of and deposits refunded at the earliest possible time. All players will be receiving letters in this regard. We have fond memories of great people, wonderful staff and fun times while they lasted.
It is very apparent from the US Governments actions that the debate into legalising online gambling is far from over, and any and all operators targeting US customers are walking on very thin ice. The US Government have made it quite clear with these latest seizures that they intend to pursue US facing gambling operators that ignore US legislation.
Entries (RSS)