mastercard online pokerThe Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is not set to take effect in the US until June, but already the trickle down effect of the law are being felt. MasterCard has become the first of the major credit card companies to block transactions for online poker.

Up until recently, MasterCard and other credit card companies have been slow to adapt to the laws set forth in the UIGEA. MasterCard has attempted this type of block before, but were unsuccessful after the gaming companies changed their codes to get their transactions to process.

Lately, the US government has been seizing bank accounts related to online gambling sites. These seizures have millions of dollars held up, and the US is currently trying to get their hands on the funds in forfeiture rulings.

Instead of changing the codes again, it appears that online poker sites will continue their operations without MasterCard as a deposit option. The logo has been removed from some big online sites, still leaving other options for US players looking to enjoy online poker.

Representative Barney Frank, meanwhile, is still collecting supporters in Congress to attempt to overturn the UIGEA. Frank has introduced legislation that not only would overturn the law, but would also set up a regulated Internet gambling system in the country.