For months people have been asking me what I would do if the online gaming bill (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006) passed and I said I wasn’t going to worry about it until it happened. Well, barring the immediate discovery of naughty emails sent from George Dubya to underage male interns, it’s a done deal. So now it’s time to worry about it.

The fact that it’s soon to be law is not a reason I would stop playing Internet poker. There are moral laws then there are the intrusive laws of people with their own agendas. In case there’s any question as to which kind the online gaming bill is, let me point out that state-run lotteries and horse racing are exempt from the bill. The bill’s concerns over the hardships caused by gambling addiction apparently don’t apply when the states are the ones profiting.

How will the law affect me? It might not. The gist of the bill is that it will be illegal for financial institutions and credit card companies to give money to online gaming sites. As it is now, most banks and credit cards won’t allow you to purchase funds at gambling sites. Players deposit funds through other online money transfer companies like Neteller or Firepay. And there’s still some question whether or not these offshore companies will be affected by the bill. Additionally, the bill focuses on furnishing funds to gambling sites, which I don’t do. I leave a certain amount in my account at all times and withdraw the rest.

The most likely way the law will affect me is if the number of players drastically decreases. Currently, Americans make up more than half the gaming market. And I’m inclined to believe it’s the casual players who will jump ship while the more accomplished ones stick around. The people who play “just for fun” are the suckers, I mean they’re the reason, I can make a living doing this.

For right now, it’s business as usual. Worst case scenario I’ve got nine months to create a fabulous “Will go all in for food” sign. Hey! That could lead me to my next career.