Whiz Poker

The recently proposed Digital Economy Bill has been quickly pushed through Parliament after just three readings and only two hours of debate in the Commons. While purporting to only be concerned with blocking instances of copyright violations it would seem a harmless law. However, the some of the wording of the Bill imply some frightening possibilities within its execution on the world of the Internet.

British citizens have enjoyed the right to gambling since the Lottery appeared in the 1930′s. Gambling of all forms, from Online Poker to wagering on the World Cup or the Nationals is an important part of the British way of life.

Since the 1960′s the government has increasingly applied taxes and regulations on the gambling industry. With the powers allowed to the government in this Digital Economy Bill they are allowed to block any site they feel may be “likely to” infringe on a copyright. However, the definition of what is “likely to,” a concept of draconian implications, is left ambiguous and entirely up to the government’s discretion. The wording is so broad that Google itself could be banned from the Islands since it can be used to search for downloadable material in violation of copyright laws.

Does the Digital Economy Bill, on the fast track to becoming the law of the land, give the government the tool they need to ban online gambling from the UK. Are they going to follow suit of the American cousins who have so restricted online gambling of their citizens to the point a casino or poker room has to make special arrangements just to afford Americans the chance to play?