American online gamblers found a notification from the FirePay-FireOne
e-cash processor in their accounts this week, advising them that once
the U.S. President had signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement
Act 2006 into law, they would be unable to use the service to make
transfers to online gambling merchants.
And online gambling merchants will have a 10 day window after the
law comes into effect to settle up with players, after which transfers
from gambling merchants will be declined.
The notification confirmed earlier announcements by FireOne parent
group Optimal that once President Bush approves the Act, FirePay will
no longer allow US consumer payments for online gambling merchants.
Beginning the day President Bush signs the Act, FirePay will decline
any purchase transactions from US FirePay account holders at any gambling
merchant site.
Ten days after President Bush signs the Act, FirePay will decline
any transfer attempt made by any online gambling merchant to a US
FirePay account.
All US FirePay accounts holders will continue to be able to make purchases
and receive payments from non-gambling, online merchants, as well
as "Deposit From" and "Withdraw To" their US bank
account.
The notification included a special note that ".....this
new policy will not affect FirePay account holders from outside of
the United States." Readers with any questions regarding
these deadlines or the US policy can email info@firepay.com, the advisory
says.