Washington Debates Online Gambling

The debate regarding online gambling in the United States continued through the week, with multiple discussions in the U.S House Ways and Means Committee. The idea would potentially be to legalized it, as online gambling has been outlawed since 2006, and tax it so as to create a revenue stream.

:dirol

The debate regarding online gambling in the United States continued through the week, with multiple discussions in the U.S House Ways and Means Committee. The idea would potentially be to legalized it, as online gambling has been outlawed since 2006, and tax it so as to create a revenue stream.

:dirol
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]I am going to try to pay more attention to the news this week in hopes that the network news broadcasts will have some useful information about this. . .[/FONT]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]I am going to try to pay more attention to the news this week in hopes that the network news broadcasts will have some useful information about this. . .[/FONT]


Frank, who will be testifying during Wednesday's hearing, says that because nearly all states already permit some form of traditional gambling--including lotteries, betting on horse and greyhound racing, and sports wagering--the federal government should legalize and regulate the online equivalents. Instead of a blanket legalization, his legislation would require the Treasury Department to police the industry and ensure that it takes adequate steps to identify minors and compulsive gamblers. :thumbsup

Frank, who will be testifying during Wednesday's hearing, says that because nearly all states already permit some form of traditional gambling--including lotteries, betting on horse and greyhound racing, and sports wagering--the federal government should legalize and regulate the online equivalents. Instead of a blanket legalization, his legislation would require the Treasury Department to police the industry and ensure that it takes adequate steps to identify minors and compulsive gamblers. :thumbsup
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]It is true that most states have legal lotteries -- and some states have banded together to create multi-state drawings -- and a good number have wagering on horse racing -- in NYC you don't even have to be at the track whether that track's in NY or another state -- dog and sports wagering are harder to find legally. . .[/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]That said, it is time to let adults be adults and make their own decisions. Some of the monies raised from taxes on gambling could be used for gambling abuse programs -- Republicans will throw a fit over that, of course -- but I am curious how they would identify underage gamblers without making folks squeamish about invasion of privacy concerns. The standard method 'til now has been credit card ownership. Wonder if they have something else in mind coming down the road. . .[/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]Now I wish I had a day off work on Wednesday and C-SPAN, but sadly I have neither. . .[/FONT]

Many experts believe that the UIGEA will have little if any affect on the online gambling industry.