HR 2366 would legalize Internet poker and HR 1174 would effectively allow nearly every form of Internet gambling. HR 2366 by the way is titled: "Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2011 [UGIEA is Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006]"
So it prohibits, protects, and strengthens by allowing states to start legalizing internet poker gambling, or in its own words "To establish a program for State licensing of Internet poker, and for other purposes." So it sounds like they're cracking down on internet gambling by legalizing it.
But wait: They're thinking about doing this because of the BENEFITS, including JOBS:
(6) United States consumers would benefit from a program of Internet poker regulation which recognizes the interstate nature of the Internet, but nevertheless preserves the prerogatives of States. Such a system would require strict licensing of Internet poker providers and would require licensee operators to--
- (A) have effective means to prevent minors from playing poker on-line;
- (B) identify and help treat problem gamblers; to ensure that games are fair;
- (C) allow players to self-exclude and limit losses; and
- (D) prevent money laundering.
(7) Such a program would create a new industry within the United States creating thousands of jobs and substantial tax revenue for Federal and State governments.
Congressman Frank Wolf is greatly (and rightly) concerned about the prospect of legalized Internet gambling.
These two bills introduced in the House in the Congress last year would "expand online gambling to every home, iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows phone in the country."
Wolf says,
According to a July 2011 Daily Finance article, "When it comes to severity, America's gambling addiction isn't too far behind the nation's drug problem, and it's growing. In 2007, Americans lost more the $92 billion gambling, about nine times what they lost in 1982, and almost 10 times more than what moviegoers in the U.S. spent on tickets that same year."
HR 1174 is To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet gambling activities by the Secretary of the Treasury, to provide for consumer protections on the Internet, to enforce the tax code, and for other purposes.
The double-speak now employed in the writing of legislation--is this something new, beyond anything seen before? Illinois actually passed a law that discriminates against Catholic adoption agencies, titled Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.
Maybe the should stop using the word gambling and call it random revenue enhancement!
Recent Comments