A big surprise hit the online gambling industry when yet another recognizable gaming operator pulled out of the U.S. market. GameAccount, which does not even develop traditional online gambling software such as online casino games, sports betting platforms and online poker, announced that after careful consideration of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) recently passed into law by the U.S. Congress, it was determined to be in the company's best interests to cease providing person-to-person online skill games to U.S. bettors.

At one point amidst the aftershocks of the UIGEA, GameAccount was fathoming it would stay in the market since there is no specific wording in the legislation singling out skill games, which are not of the same nature as traditional online casino games. However, according to GameAccount CEO, Kevin Dale, after the company received extensive legal counsel from several sources, it became clear that although skill games created a far less degree of chance than casino games, it cannot be proved there is absolutely no degree of chance influencing the outcome of skill games.

The wording in the UIGEA specifically bans games that may be influenced by chance, while it specifically makes carve-outs for other forms of betting, such as Fantasy Sports Leagues and horse betting. Considering there are no specific carve-outs for online skill gaming, Dale said it is a matter of skill vs. chance that would remain in a grey area under the UIGEA, and thus posing a chance of being prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice. It was a very difficult decision to come to, but in the long run and in the interest of the company's investors, is the most sensible decision.

For those in the online skill gaming industry, not to mention the casino and gaming industry as a whole, the exiting of GameAccount from a U.S. facing sector is an unfortunate turnaround. They are the world's largest provider of online skill games, and have been the benefactor of numerous awards, including eGaming Reviews 2006 award for Innovation. And while it may seem like a loss for the online skill gaming industry, GameAccount is certain to allocate their resources elsewhere and keep a watchful eye on the status of the online gambling industry in the U.S.