February 3, 2010 (CAP Newswire) – It may not be a direct endorsement of online gambling, but President Obama has finally made a statement on UIGEA, in his much-watched state of the union address, no less.
“Neither party should delay or obstruct every single bill just because they can,” Obama stated in last week’s heavily televised speech. “The confirmation of well-qualified public servants should not be held hostage to the pet projects or grudges of a few individual senators.”
The statement is indirect, focusing on Republican Senator Jon Kyl’s blocking of the nominations of several U.S. Department of Treasury nominees because of his unhappiness with the UIGEA delays. But the message is there: The UIGEA delay is part of the law, and the opposition party should accept that.
So, although he didn’t come out and say it in so many words, Obama has indirectly supported the UIGEA’s delay. And for the world of online gambling, even an indirect endorsement from America’s most powerful and influential politician is welcome news.
Thanks to OpenMarket.org for some great early analysis on this topic, and for the quote above.