The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was intended to put a dent in online poker and sports betting in America; in fact, it would’ve stamped out the perceived vice altogether if the bill’s architects had their way.

But lately it seems as if mixed signals are being sent out by both pro and anti-online gaming activists. Will the United States do away with the unlawful gaming legislation? Will it stay the course? There has been both good and bad news.

The effects of the legislation had online gaming companies seriously scaling back their marketing efforts.

Bad

Most recently, one of the world’s most respected poker players and a true blue American Doyle Brunson was forced to let go of his Doyles Room poker site because of the UIGEA.

According to website Eye on Gambling (EOG) even Texas Dolly was feeling the pinch:

In view of the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of the Doyle Brunson Poker Network (DBPN) has reluctantly decided not to permit online real money play by USA-based players at DoylesRoom.com.

But before Doyles Room players bury their heads and cry, it should be noted that Brunson won’t be leaving American players in the cold, as EOG is also reporting that U.S. players will be transferred to Full Tilt Poker.

The World Series of Poker will do things a little differently this year. In the past ads for online sites (.com, .net) could be seen everywhere. But this year, in order to conform to the legislation, banners or even t-shirts featuring the likes of sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt will not be allowed, though the WSOP is also headed to Europe, which doesn’t restrict ads.

Good

PartyGaming stock rose on the strength of news that the UIGEA would be repealed by Democrat chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank.

Back in March 2006, Frank was quoted as saying that he didn’t agree with anti-online gambling legislation.

“Adults are entitled to do with their money what they want to do,” he said.

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