The casinos, the Indians, and the state lotteries all lobbied hard for this, they think it will reign in the competition. I specialize in football and blackjack, make a nice side income there. Main reason there is no outcry of opposition is this law is useless. My sports bets are with a local guy, technically illegal, blackjack in person. If I were interested in the online services, it would take about ten minutes to transfer some money and set up an account this law wouldn't touch.
Actually nobody really thinks this bill will do anything except give some Congresscritters a campaign boost on the "values" right. Jim Leach (R-Iowa) thought he needed it, the RNC thinks they need Leach to win to keep the majority, and they are probably right. All in all, a good move tactically, has no real effect on any gambler with more than three brain cells still rattling around.
If this sounds a bit cynical, well it is, but that is how the "great game" of politics is played. Not really that much different from gambling, online or not.
"Actually nobody really thinks this bill will do anything except give some Congresscritters a campaign boost on the "values" right."
"Congress has grappled with this issue for ten years, and during that time we've watched this shadow industry explode," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tennessee). "For me as majority leader, the bottom line is simple: Internet gambling is illegal. Although we can't monitor every online gambler or regulate offshore gambling, we can police the financial institutions that disregard our laws."
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=66786&subsec=1
You cannot be serious. Party Poker is going to ban US players. That is the biggest site down more then 50% on the Londan Exchange. Many of the smaller sites have already begun banning US players.
Between the Democrats in Washington state and the Republicans in D.C.
I choose none of the above.
rein in, as in horses, not kings.
You know, I wonder if that isn't part of it as well. You see all these casinos are starting to eat each other. I mean in my area of 400,000 people there are at least 4 casinos (that I remember) and another dozen or so within driving distance.
Anyone know if the profits from the casinos are starting to stagnate? I know that in some states a lot of stuff does not have to be reported, but it would be interesting to find out.