There are rumors that two internet gambling bills will be submitted to congress. One would be poker specific and all other forms of gambling would remain illegal. New York representative has a bill that would legalize most forms of internet gambling including internet bingo. Even with states putting pressure on congress the passage of any online gambling legislation in the near future seems like a long shot.
Although the opposition to online gambling is not as strong as it was a few years ago there are still religious groups vehemently opposed to allowing American citizens to spend their money as they wish. .The far right extremist group Focus on the Family’ run by the infamous James Dobson has been one of the most vocal opponents. Dobson’s group claims King’s bill will ‘hurt children.’ Despite the opposition of Dobson’s professional bluenoses and so called ‘experts.’ Rich Muny, the vice president of player relations for the Poker Players Alliance, is optimistic about the future of online and mobile gambling. Muny told reporters “Cards are hitting the virtual felt right now in Nevada and they’re going to be hitting in New Jersey,” he said. “What was a theoretical possibility before now is reality.”
Like many Muny says passage of any gambling legislation will be a long shot. Muny stated “I think this bill is a big underdog still — they always are. All these different stakeholders are trying to get the biggest slice of the pie possible, and some are willing to settle for no pie.” Experts say that online gambling will generate $1.5 billion in New Jersey alone. Public support for online gambling varys from state to state. In California 53% of voters approve while in Iowa 73% do not support internet gambling. There are powerful interests on both sides of the issue trying to convince the public that their position would be most beneficial.
Focus on the Family published an ‘interview’ with an ‘expert’ who refused to reveal his identity which pretty much destroys and credibility the article hay have had. Basically the so called ‘expert’ said that online gambling is like a ‘gateway drug’ and even more laughingly online gambling could lead to the ‘corruption of minors’ whatever that entails! Other powerful opponents include billionaire Sheldon Adelson whose Sands Company just paid millions in fined because of the company’s connection to a notorious drug trafficker.
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