MasterCard and Visa have decided to abide by the regulations set forth by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). NetSpend customers who had deposited at an online poker room received the following email:

Our records show that you may have used your NetSpend Visa® Prepaid Debit Card for internet gambling transactions in the past.

Beginning May 31, 2010, MasterCard and Visa will begin complying with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by blocking all online gambling transactions attempted by U.S. cardholders. This means you will not be able to use your NetSpend card or account for internet based gambling transactions. Internet gambling transactions will be automatically declined to comply with these federal regulations. NetSpend has no control over this change.

Don’t forget there are many great ways to use your NetSpend card. You can pay bills online or over the phone, shop online and make everyday purchases anywhere Visa debit cards or wherever Debit MasterCard is accepted. At NetSpend, we make sure that you are informed and in control of your money.

The popular Vanilla Visa Gift Cards have also been barred as a means of depositing by the UIGEA. Prepaid and Reloadable Gift Cards appear to be two of the UIGEA’s first victims.