Who’s afraid of the UIGEA?

To no one’s surprise, many are running for the hills because of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement.

Companies that accepted business from the United States are being forced to close their doors to American customers and the estimated $13 billion a year that online gambling brings and many are spooked by the implications.

Some e-wallets and payment processing companies are even following suit, as a huge amount of transactions they deal with usually involve online gambling.

Even non-online poker related entities, such as the World Series of Poker, are projected to be unwitting victims of the UIGEA’s long arm.

The World Series of Poker, which has seen significant growth in attendance and prize money over the last few years, has drawn a lot of players through online poker satellite tournaments in the past.

With online companies ceasing business in America, tournament numbers are bound to take a hit right? Maybe not.

Despite the impending “Apocalypse,” the World Series of Poker seems to be taking an Alfred E. Newman approach to things.

As WSOP Director of Operations Gary Thompson said in an interview with the Pokernews, the changes will definitely be minimal.

“We are doing business as usual and the legislation will have no effect on our registration policies,” he said.

“We haven't accepted third party entries into any of our tournaments, either the main World Series or the Circuit events, since 2005.”