2 Democratic Candidates Support Online Gambling Study in USA

Before last Saturday's Democratic presidential caucus in Nevada, the Las Vegas Sun summarized the views of the three front-runners on six key issues, one issue being Internet Gambling, citing that both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama support studying whether online poker and online gambling can be safely regulated for US residents.

The Las Vegas Sun first summarized the status of internet gambling in the USA, saying:

"The federal government has long considered Internet gambling illegal, though many gambling advocates say the law against it [referring the 1961 Wire Act], designed to combat bookmaking activities by the mob in the 1960s, didn't envision the Internet and applies only to sports betting.

A few big companies like MGM Mirage and Harrah's Entertainment have supported efforts to legalize Internet gambling, but the concept lacks broad support.

The American Gaming Association has been reluctant to push for legalization, instead supporting a bill to study whether Internet gambling can be regulated. Some say this is a necessary first step so the enterprise can gain legitimacy. The association represents land-based casinos rather than the companies now operating Web casinos from offshore, locations far from the reach of U.S. regulators."

The article summary wrapped up by saying though "it may be years before Congress takes up the issue again" since the right to gamble has not been a pressing issue affecting voting patterns, that "some industry experts say legalization is inevitable because of the potential tax revenue now going offshore to a thriving underground economy."

The newspaper then gave the views of the top three candidates, as follows:

"Clinton: Supports the industry's position: to study Internet gambling to see whether it can be fairly regulated so that individuals can safely participate in it and American businesses can compete in the international market.

Obama: Worries that the Internet is 'a Wild West of illegal activity'; supports a study of Internet gambling and supports regulation to address the worst abuses.

Edwards: Opposes legalization, doubting it can be controlled."

Hillary Clinton went on to win the Nevada Democratice Presidential caucus on Saturday.

LEGISLATION FOR A STUDY ALREADY EXISTS

Legislation proposing a study of online gambling already exists. It was co-sponsored by Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.and Jon Porter, R-Nev.

Their Internet Gambling Study Act calls for the National Academy of Sciences to study a range of issues that involve Internet gaming. (click here for related article).

Berkley has been among the most outspoken opponents of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) passed last October. Upon the passage of the UIGEA, Berkley described it saying, "This (internet gambling) legislation has a loophole big enough to drive a truck through that was designed solely to protect betting on horse racing and lotteries over the Internet."

"Despite its misleading name, there is no getting around the fact that this bill very clearly and specifically states that betting on horse racing over the Internet is not prohibited. The same holds true for lotteries, which enjoy special protections under this legislation," remarked Berkley. "And despite the misinformed and misguided claims of this bill's supporters, it would neither prohibit Internet gaming, nor increase the enforcement capabilities of the United States government."

Read Related Article: