The case of Douglas Rennick has brought the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act into a whole new area of definition.  The case where the Canadian man is being charged with banking fraud and money laundering by the United States legal system while still in Canada brings up the question: how far does the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act reach across international boarders?

Rennick is not the first Non US citizen to face charges based on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act; in fact, he’s not even the first Canadian.  The cofounders of NETeller are both Canadian citizens.  The difference between them and Rennick is that they were both seized within the United States, automatically giving the United States court system personal jurisdiction. 

Another case involving foreign nationals being brought in for activity related to online casinos is the BetonSports executive David Carruthers.  Carruthers was seized by FBI agents in a Texas airport on his way to Costa Rica.

Rennick is unique in that he is currently in Canada.  In order to extradite him, the United States is going to need the permission of Canadian authorities. There is as yet no indication that Canadian authorities will agree to cooperate with United States law enforcement and they have no real obligation.

However, a precedent is being set, especially if the Canada gives the United States permission to extradite Rennick.  This will certainly empower the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and law enforcement is likely to use it again to bring charges against foreign nationals.