The AGED was trying to get a number of Internet Service Providers to block local residents from visiting certain online gaming websites, but their reasoning angered many in the industry as the websites appeared to be picked at random. Some operators that allowed U.S. players would not be blocked while others that did not allow U.S. players did find themselves on the list.

What followed was the threat of a possible civil suit against the AGED from the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMega) and the AGED promptly backed down. The two sides reached a settlement and the AGED then wrote a letter to the various ISP's where they withdrew their prior request.

Said iMega Chairman Joe Brennan Jr. :"We're very happy with the outcome. It was clear the public opposed this, and the swift negotiated settlement by DPS and AGED demonstrates both the merit of our suit and the shaky legal ground that the original 'black list' were based."

The AGED responded by saying that they hope some policies can be created to regulate the online gaming market.

"iMEGA alleged that the notice was not authorized under 18 U.S.C. 1084 and violated the First Amendment and the Commerce Clause," said AGED Director John Willems. "Whether or not iMEGA would have prevailed in court is unknown. Notwithstanding, the AGED has agreed to withdraw the notice. As a result, iMEGA has agreed to dismiss its court action without prejudice."

"I believe it may be more appropriate to resolve this problem by working to create clear and effective governmental policies concerning regulation of gambling."

So luckily the AGED backed down because the whole situation could have gotten very ugly if they had decided to pursue their initial plan. Furthermore, local residents and gaming operators can be happy as well as they can continue their daily activities without being restricted by a very poor decision.

It just goes to show how badly Barney Frank's pro-gambling bill is needed right now.