Online gamblers want feds to get into the action
The Department of Justice ruled last December that the 1961 Wire Act bans only sports betting, not other forms of online wagering, reversing its position of many years. That cleared the way for cash-strapped states to explore offering online gambling to their residents. …
But the states are setting up a patchwork of rules, none of which allows playing across state lines, increasing pressure for federal action and legislation. Fahrenkopf, for one, is skeptical that states will be able to effectively regulate online gambling. …
Both the brick-and-mortar casino industry — which could perceive a threat from a sweeping expansion of its trade on the Web — and poker aficionados have thrown their support behind narrow legislation that would legalize just online poker while banning all other forms of Internet gambling.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., are working on such legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Joe L. Barton, R-Texas, backs that approach in the House.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Let me guess. These regulations would result in driving the small-time operators out of business and concentrating activity among a few large operators. That is typically how such regulations work out. Compliance is too complicated / expensive for small marginal operators to swallow.
crosspatch on December 3, 2012 at 4:36 PM
This is an issue that has quietly affected millions of Americans — myself included. Players advocating regulation may be shortsighted, but one of desperation after said federal government has effectively barred them from playing.
It should be legalized but not controlled or ran by states — the idea is absurd. Just get out of the way and let markets and people decide for themselves.
It’s issues like this that, if the GOP were truly the party of liberty, would side with those who want to gamble/play poker online.
jjraines on December 3, 2012 at 5:10 PM