CASINO PLAYERS EZINE #74

Comments and questions from Readers about the possibility of prohibiting online gaming in US follow. You will find my reply to all questions/comments at the end.

#1

Gayle: Why is it not mentioned that internet gambling is illegal in the U.S.? Also how safe is it giving out your credit card information to these casinos? Who regulates these casinos? I gamble in Atlantic City. I would love to sit at my computer and gamble but only if it is legal and regulated. Rose.

#2

Gayle: I agree that the internet payouts might be better, but some people have a problem with money management and more opportunities arise to misappropriate the money when gambling online. David.

#3

Gayle: I just watched a TV show in which they said that all internet gambling was against the law--in other words not a good thing. My question is that I haven't seen it's against the law. Do we really allow this to go on? I am not against internet gambling, but I wonder if this is the way to go? Steve.

#4

Gayle: I enjoyed the article about on-line gaming and would love to try it.
However, your article did not mention that online gaming is illegal. How much chance is there of being prosecuted? I know I sound paranoid, but this is a concern. Lynn.

Readers: I added the following to the Featured article in Issue #73 the day after publication: "Additionally, there is the lingering question: "Is internet gambling illegal in the US?" Current US federal and state law permits internet betting on horseracing, and internet gambling operated by Native American tribes or within individual state borders. Though gambling on foreign sites is banned, US residents account for the bulk of the $12 billion global industry."

Also, there is this excerpt from an article at igamingnews: "In fact, it is so hard to draw a correlation between a given country's I-gambling activity, and its laws and policies about I-gambling, that we are forced to examine the proposition that these two things may have nothing to do with each other. Of course, the United States is Exhibit "A" for that theory. While millions of Americans defy the wishes of the administration by gambling online, some States pass laws against it - laws that can't find the gamblers and have no effect on the operators--while others seek to legalize it. Meanwhile the Federal government responds by declaring advertising it to be a crime--but according to statutory language and case law that does not exist! In the meantime Internet gambling revenue has grown from zero in 1995 to over $10 billion in 2005."
Read more

In reply to Rose and David, there are several indications that an online casino is regulated and therefore, accredited. One is if they are a member of e-cogra who are reputable regulators of online gaming and e-commerce. I highly recommend http://www.casinomeister.com that is an online casino watchdog site. There is a wealth of information for online gamblers to consider at this site.

See Gayle Storms: Editor's Rant section for further discussion of online gaming.

2-3

The Wiggles- Thomas and Mack Center.

3-7

Reba McEntire- Las Vegas Hilton.

4

R. Kelly- Hard Rock The Joint.

10-11

Bryan Adams- Las Vegas Hilton.

11-17

Howie Mandel - MGM Grand.

12-13

Johnny Mathis- Las Vegas Hilton.

12-13

Jay Leno- Mirage.

12-14

Frankie Avalon- Suncoast.

13

Tanya Tucker-Buffalo Bill's Arena-Primm, Nv.

13

The Goo Goo Dolls- Red Rock Station.

19

The New Cars, Blondie- Aladdin.

19-20

Ray Romano- Mirage.

20-21

The Gin Blossoms- Suncoast.

25-28

Air Supply- The Orleans.

26

Ron White- Mandalay Bay.

26-28

Kevin James - Mirage.

27

Clay Walker- South Coast.

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Some comments/rants follow about the proposed US online gambling ban.
They are divided equally between pro and con followed by my thoughts.

Opposing the ban:
1) Its none of the governments business what people do in their homes...only the religious left are the ones that want to outlaw online gambling...just like they want to control everyone's lives.
2) I don't want the government banning internet, or any other, gambling.
I also don't want the government telling me to wear a bicycle/motorcycle helmet, or a seat belt! I believe that adults should be free to conduct their lives without government interference. That said, I believe that internet gaming sites should abide by strict standards of honesty and integrity.
3) I have written my Congresswoman a letter vehemently opposing this Bill.
It is a direct infringement on all of our Constitutional rights to Freedom of what we do in our own homes, and how we spend our income. Rep. Goodlatte (Virg.) and Kyl (Ariz.)are attempting to impose their personal religious right beliefs onto the general population of this great Country. I urge you to write your representative and Stop this Bill.
4) I love to gamble online
5) Everyone does it, make it legal.
6) Adults should be able to gamble anywhere, anytime, without restriction, as long as such gambling does not interfere with work, public safety, and the like. Keep the government out of our lives as much as practicable.
7) Our federal state and local governments lose billions of $ in their share of profits.
I think the government is too involved in private business. Another regulation is not needed. There should however be regulations to which the internet casinos would adhere. They should be taxed on the profits as well. Since the gov is always in financial trouble, I would think the gov would welcome an additional source of revenue instead of letting it operate illegally and costing $$.

For the ban:
1) I don't believe the internet is safe enough yet to be using money on gambling websites. Perhaps in 2 years I might have an opinion one way or the other.
2) I don't like the idea that it's too easy to gamble. Not every one can control themselves like I can. Too many lives are ruined.
3) Gambling is entertainment but can become a real problem if it is available anywhere at any time online. I feel it would only exacerbate the problem as it is too easy to logon and lose your money in the comfort of your own home!
4) I do not trust the Internet Gambling Sites. Also, I play games on my home PC (Gambling) and I have seen where at sporadic times my PC would freeze or act up for split second causing different results than what was intended.
5) I believe that online gambling sites will be overly tempting to those that have a gambling problem. Also, the use of credit cards will give too much opportunity for credit card fraud and identity theft.
6) I prefer to sit in a casino and enjoy the company of others around me. It's great to hear the sound of bells, even if they aren't coming from my machine.
7) I think Internet gambling is a bad idea. There should be a barrier to entry at a gambling venue especially for those that gamble too much and can't afford it.

My comments/rant begins in total agreement with this reader, "I would think the gov would welcome an additional source of revenue instead of letting it operate illegally." It has been suggested over the years and many times that if the government taxed online gaming as they do with land-based casinos, there would never be another vote to ban it. Secondly, this statement: "There should however, be regulations to which the internet casinos would adhere." is also valid. Just as we require land-based casinos to be regulated and payouts reported. (Oh, for the day that there is 100% reporting-but that's another rant) so too, should online casinos be regulated with required membership to e-cogra accompanied by reported slot payouts. However, online players need to be vigilant, do their homework, and visit watchdog sites like casinomeister.com before a final decision. As to gambling problems, this subject is a legitimate concern and should be promptly addressed whether playing online or off. Lastly, as I have said before, "The final decision is yours to make." As your Editor, I am here to provide gambling information you can use to make an educated decision.

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