Canada bill proposes UIGEA-like legislation

Canadian MP Roy Cullen has set off alarms amongst Canadian online bingo players and online bingo halls with his intention to table a new bill before Parliament based on the US' controversial Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

Speaking of his proposed bill to Interactive Gaming News, Cullen said "My bill is closely modeled off legislation in the US, except that it doesn't distinguish between offshore and onshore gambling."

The US' UIGEA law decimated the online gaming industry last year forcing many online bingo games operators to quit the US market.  UIGEA seeks to disrupt financial transactions between US-based players and online gaming operators.  At this time UK online bingo halls are open to Canadian players.

Cullen is reported to have asked the Canadian House of Commons about what the government is doing about illegal Internet gambling.  He is also reportedly working with the country's Minister for Justice in finding a solution.