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Master card has designed a system that effectively prevents customers from using their cards to fund accounts at online casinos and Internet gambling sites. Credit card companies are acting in advance of the implementation of the UIGEA online gambling ban, scheduled to begin June 1st.

The credit card company has made prior moves to block online gambling transactions, but operators have been able to react to coding systems and identify themselves as un-coded transactions. Now, many Internet gambling sites will find potential US patrons unable to fund accounts.

The long term prospect for the online casino industry probably lies in debit cards. Currently you will have a better chance of completing an online gambling transaction using a debit card than a credit card. This is because with a debit card you are removing your own cash from your bank account. This reduces the bank’s exposure.

Online gambling has not been outlawed.