Ever since a 2006 law effectively outlawed online gambling, they’ve been marginalized, either turning to pretend-money alternatives, quitting altogether, or relying on dicey workarounds to avoid the long arm of the law. But rumors of an upcoming bipartisan effort to legalize the industry -- and bring it under the watchful eye of the federal government -- have given online gamblers new hope.
Strictly speaking, online gambling isn’t actually illegal under federal law, although several states (such as New York, Washington, and Nevada) have banned it for their residents. Instead, the 2006 federal law (bizarrely shoehorned into a bill focusing on tightening security at U.S. seaports) prevents businesses from accepting ************, wire transfers, checks, and other transactions if they were to be used in “unlawful Internet gambling.”
Broken and ineffective, the law hasn’t entirely escaped the attention of politicians -- notably Barney Frank, Democratic House Representative for Massachusetts, who’s repeatedly tried to legalize (and, naturally, tax) online gambling over the last few years. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was working to slip a bill through in December’s lame-duck session, too, but to no avail.
All that has online gambling fans looking to the GOP for help -- and they’re finding it at the door of California representative John Campbell, a Republican of a rather more libertarian bent than Bachus. Campbell is reportedly preparing to introduce a new bill later this year along the lines of Frank’s most recent effort, which successfully passed the House Financial Services Committee in July. Campbell is said to have Frank on board as a co-sponsor. Could online gambling’s fans -- and the businesses that are ready to serve them -- finally be staring at a winning hand?
Their first hurdle’s going to be a high one. Frank’s last bill indeed cleared the Finance Committee without undue hardship, but the aftershocks of November’s elections included some changes in that committee’s makeup. One major change, in fact: it has a new chairman.
As of last month, out went gambling-friendly Barney Frank -- and in came none other than Spencer Bachus. Bipartisan or not, any bill that relaxes restrictions on Internet gambling is likely to have a harder time getting past the committee stage this year.
Even if it does, there’s still a long road between there and a vote. But above all else, the new Congress has a clear mandate from voters: reduce the deficit. Anything that produces extra revenue -- and has the potential to create jobs for out-of-work Americans -- is likely to be on the table. Campbell is expected to show his hand in the next few weeks; time will tell whether he’ll come up trumps for online gambling’s many fans.
Strictly speaking, online gambling isn’t actually illegal under federal law, although several states (such as New York, Washington, and Nevada) have banned it for their residents. Instead, the 2006 federal law (bizarrely shoehorned into a bill focusing on tightening security at U.S. seaports) prevents businesses from accepting ************, wire transfers, checks, and other transactions if they were to be used in “unlawful Internet gambling.”
Broken and ineffective, the law hasn’t entirely escaped the attention of politicians -- notably Barney Frank, Democratic House Representative for Massachusetts, who’s repeatedly tried to legalize (and, naturally, tax) online gambling over the last few years. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was working to slip a bill through in December’s lame-duck session, too, but to no avail.
All that has online gambling fans looking to the GOP for help -- and they’re finding it at the door of California representative John Campbell, a Republican of a rather more libertarian bent than Bachus. Campbell is reportedly preparing to introduce a new bill later this year along the lines of Frank’s most recent effort, which successfully passed the House Financial Services Committee in July. Campbell is said to have Frank on board as a co-sponsor. Could online gambling’s fans -- and the businesses that are ready to serve them -- finally be staring at a winning hand?
Their first hurdle’s going to be a high one. Frank’s last bill indeed cleared the Finance Committee without undue hardship, but the aftershocks of November’s elections included some changes in that committee’s makeup. One major change, in fact: it has a new chairman.
As of last month, out went gambling-friendly Barney Frank -- and in came none other than Spencer Bachus. Bipartisan or not, any bill that relaxes restrictions on Internet gambling is likely to have a harder time getting past the committee stage this year.
Even if it does, there’s still a long road between there and a vote. But above all else, the new Congress has a clear mandate from voters: reduce the deficit. Anything that produces extra revenue -- and has the potential to create jobs for out-of-work Americans -- is likely to be on the table. Campbell is expected to show his hand in the next few weeks; time will tell whether he’ll come up trumps for online gambling’s many fans.
You think marijuana isnt legal because or big tobacco? 
You do realize that though both marijuana and tobacco are generally consumed by smoking, that is where their similiarities cease? They serve two completely different purposes and cater to two completely different users. Obviously you've never been a user of either otherwise you would know that and know they are not competitors.
