House passes legislation aimed at InternetGambling

In Our View: Fold ’Em

House passes legislation aimed at Internet gambling

Congress is betting that the U.S. will be able to stem the tide of online gambling.

House members voted 317-93 Tuesday to prohibit the use of credit cards and other payment gateways for Internet gambling purposes. The bill also clarifies current laws against gambling and opens the door for enforcement officials to work with Internet service providers to block online gambling sites.

State lotteries and horse racing sites would not be affected. They were exempted primarily to keep lawmakers from states hosting such activities from opposing the legislation.

Internet gambling has become big business. Online poker rooms, sports bookmaking sites and Internet casinos rake in billions of dollars every year. At least half of that money comes from players in the U.S.

Opponents of online wagering call it the “crack cocaine” of gambling—an easy-access addiction that destroys families.

Others see it as simply another business that should be regulated and taxed, pointing out that gambling has become a major revenue stream in the U.S., with casinos operating in several states.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which has shown little interest overall in online gambling so far. Still, it’s quite possible the bill could pass quickly since a couple of Senate supporters plan to move aggressively.

It’s curious that Congress is so worked up about Internet gambling. Americans, for the most part, don’t see gambling as a major threat to our society and don’t really think it’s any of Congress’ business if they want to place a wager online or off.

And since gambling has expanded over the past couple of decades across the U.S. without much action from Washington to stop it, it’s hard to see why it is somehow more acceptable to place a bet in a casino on a riverboat or Indian reservation than to ante up at an online poker site.

One thing is certain. If the bill eventually becomes law it will be very difficult—if not impossible—to enforce. The U.S doesn’t own the Internet, after all, and offshore gambling operators and eager U.S. players will quickly find ways around the legislation.

One thing is certain. If the bill eventually becomes law it will be very difficult—if not impossible—to enforce. The U.S doesn’t own the Internet, after all, and offshore gambling operators and eager U.S. players will quickly find ways around the legislation.

Gamblers will find a way to gamble. Always have, always will. You can bet on it.

www.texarkanagazette.com