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http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0106/p08s03-comv.html
Commentary > The Monitor’s View
from the January 06, 2005 editionCurbing Internet Gambling
Internet gambling – unfortunately – has been growing as rapidly in the US as quarters are lost in slot machines.
In 1996, some 30 gambling websites were taking online bets, mostly from US customers, totaling over $30 million, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors. The gambling industry analysis firm estimates that last year, more than 1,800 gambling websites took in some $7 billion in online wagers. It projects $9.8 billion in revenue this year, and by 2010, an eye-popping $18.4 billion.
Never mind that the federal government considers Internet gambling illegal for American bettors, although federal rules are murky at best. (Internet gambling websites originate offshore and remain immune from US law.) And Congress has done very little to control the expansion of online gambling.
The last action it took was over a year ago, when the Senate Banking Committee voted to approve Internet gambling restrictions proposed by one of the gambling industry’s chief opponents for the past 10 years – Senator Jon Kyl (R) of Arizona. On his website, Senator Kyl rightly notes, “Internet gambling encourages organized crime, is rife with fraud and abuse, ruins credit ratings [of the bettors], and leads many young people to amass thousands of dollars in debt on their parents’ credit cards.”
Kyl’s bill still hasn’t passed. Could it be that’s because so much gambling industry money is finding its way into congressional campaign coffers? In 2004, the industry gave more than $9 million, roughly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
To its credit, the Justice Department has been vigilant, cracking down on companies carrying ads for gambling websites. It has also gone after banks that have allowed their credit cards to be used for online betting.
Yet the gambling industry now is fighting back – suing the Justice Department on First Amendment grounds. And some online poker sites are claiming that poker (a game now popular with teens) is a game of skill, not chance, and thus immune from even the weak federal anti-Internet gambling rules.
One change Congress ought to make: Revise the 1961 Wire Act, which prohibits placing or taking bets across state lines, to specifically include the Internet.
Federal, state, and local governments also should remain mindful of the myriad problems that gambling can cause. They need to help prevent a money-draining addiction to a belief in chance that has adversely affected the lives of so many individuals, instead of playing to special interests
Quote:They need to help prevent a money-draining addiction to a belief in chance that has adversely affected the lives of so many individuals, instead of playing to special interestsGO TO HELL :devil: !!!
Alcohol and nicotine are the main addictions in the US and they take the majority of lives.
In comparison, gambling addiction practically doesn’t exist.
Gambling addiction is easily fixed – there are lots of places all over the states that will fix it for you for free.
Alcohol and Nicotine are almost impossible to quit.
How much money is the government making off nicotine and alcohol and lotteries?
What about the addiction to religion? People going 2,3,4 + nights a week giving a large percentage of their income to the cause. Maybe the goverment should step in and set a limitation as to how many days a week you can attend and how much you can give! :laughing:
Dominique wrote:Alcohol and nicotine are the main addictions in the US and they take the majority of lives.Yep and Christian Science religion is against that as well.
The ignorance displayed in this article is amazing.
On his website, Senator Kyl rightly notes, “Internet gambling encourages organized crime,
How exactly does it encourage organized crime? Examples please, Senator.
is rife with fraud and abuse,
How is it “rife” with fraud and abuse? This simply isn’t true. Do some research and get your facts straight; don’t rely on old misconceptions.
ruins credit ratings [of the bettors], and leads many young people to amass thousands of dollars in debt on their parents’ credit cards.”
Please. GIVE ME A BREAK. How is this the casino’s fault? One could argue that shopping malls provide a means for racking up huge amounts of debt. Why don’t they go after the sinful department stores and their glossy magazine ads and window displays?
People need to take a little responsibility for their own actions. I’m reminded of these idiots in the U.S. who tried to sue McDonald’s because they got fat from eating the food. HELLO? It’s your own damn fault you’re fat. Don’t try to blame your lack of self control on someone else. McDonald’s wasn’t holding a gun to your head, forcing you to eat their food.
To its credit, the Justice Department has been vigilant, cracking down on companies carrying ads for gambling websites. It has also gone after banks that have allowed their credit cards to be used for online betting.
It’s really unacceptable for them to be doing this, especially since there doesn’t seem to be a definitive law that specifically bans online gambling. Way to go, Justice Department — keep enforcing those laws that don’t exist. Good job!
One change Congress ought to make: Revise the 1961 Wire Act, which prohibits placing or taking bets across state lines, to specifically include the Internet.
And how exactly would they enforce this?
Federal, state, and local governments also should remain mindful of the myriad problems that gambling can cause. They need to help prevent a money-draining addiction to a belief in chance that has adversely affected the lives of so many individuals, instead of playing to special interests
Again… people need to take some responsibility for their own actions. Casinos don’t make people spend their money. Beer companies don’t make people buy beer. Self control, that’s all it is. You can’t legislate self control.
arkyt wrote:What about the addiction to religion? People going 2,3,4 + nights a week giving a large percentage of their income to the cause. Maybe the goverment should step in and set a limitation as to how many days a week you can attend and how much you can give!HAH! Sounds like a plan to me!Yep and Christian Science religion is against that as well.
No wonder, it takes away from donations to them. All monies should be handed over to the church asap and then they can go ahead and make all our decisions for us. There will be no more trouble and paradise on earth.
Thank you guys, for answering to this. I was overwhelmed with the amount of BS.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0112/p08s02-cole.html
Commentary > Letters to the Editor
from the January 12, 2005 editionLetters
New Congress should address Internet gambling dangers
We applaud your Jan. 6 editorial “Curbing Internet Gambling.” While it is clear that by definition the activities of offshore Internet gambling sites are illegal under US law, more can, and should, be done to halt the spread of this problem.The Financial Services Committee has had a long-standing interest in combating the scourge of Internet gambling, advancing legislation in each of the last three Congresses to bar Internet gambling sites access to the US financial-services system by preventing the use of credit cards, wire transfers, and other bank instruments to fund gaming transactions. While we have twice succeeded in achieving House passage of this important legislation, the Senate has failed to act. Our Committee’s attempts to add anti-Internet gambling provisions to the legislation implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission late last year also fell short.
We agree with your editorial’s assessment of the dangers of Internet gambling, and will continue our efforts in the newly convened Congress to deny offshore gambling interests access to the US market.
Michael G. Oxley (R) of Ohio,
Spencer Bachus (R) of Alabama,
and James A. Leach (R) of Iowa
Members of the House Committee on Financial Services
WashingtonAnd where are the letters from our industry? Is everyone asleep at the controls here?
What is the videopoker type games in pubs, bars and such called?
Are they called videopoker?
I read that thay are the gambling games that grows the most.Look at all those R’s.
wagerprofits wrote:Look at all those R’s.That was “CLEAR” wasnt it …
All three of them need to be lined up and stoned for their ignorance!
Quote:Michael G. Oxley (R) of Ohio,
Spencer Bachus (R) of Alabama,
and James A. Leach (R) of IowaThree wannabees that have nothing else to hang their hat on.
As long as it supports their cause, they will agree – even for the wrong reasons. They do not understand objectivity.
Spearmaster wrote:Three wannabees that have nothing else to hang their hat on.As long as it supports their cause, they will agree – even for the wrong reasons. They do not understand objectivity.
The question is do they truly believe in their own cause? I mean do they actually believe … “While it is clear that by definition the activities of offshore Internet gambling sites are illegal under US law ..” or is it just that hanger to place their hat upon? Or is it more obvious than that and just political double talk and smoke up all of our asses?
It’s clear to me that what they claim to be clear is nothing but cloudy at the very least. Furthermore, if these morons are spewing inaccurate rhetoric that border on “clear lies” what else are they lying about and WHY are they in office?
I think it was Minnesota that just passed state legislation that clearly differentiates between phone lines and Internet lines! If it weren’t so damn cold up there I’d have to consider moving LOL
All three of these guys are at least above 50% in these ratings:
http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?sig_id=001656WLook at all the 0’s handed out to the Godless, Cruel, Non-compassionate, Family-hating, Scum.
But Tom Delay gets 100
Ok .. I know I’m a distant by-stander … but I love American politics.
:blahblah:The radical departures taken by the sides could only happen in a country as vast as the United States. The views of the opponents are so polararised … it’s funny … best humour on the planet.
:laughcry:I especially like it when they pretend to make decisions on industries that they patently know nothing about — other than what is preached from the pulpit during the Sunday morning sermons …
Oh … what’s that? They’re serious ?? Oh .. noooooooo
:help:
