Anti-Gambling Groups Confused Over New Internet Gambling Rules

Anti-gambling groups have shown over the past several days that their intent is internally motivated. A couple of these groups are actually happy with the rules that will regulate the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

"The rule that was put in place by the Treasury Department this week accomplished exactly what the UIGEA had set out to do, confuse Americans. There still is no definition as to what is illegal Internet gambling, and all the Treasury Department has done this week is give financial institutions an out," said Paul Shilpher, a legal gaming analyst.

With the new rule, banks must now have customers sign as part of their terms that they are not taking part in gambling activity online. That will do nothing to stop online gambling in the United States. Still, anti-gambling groups believe this was a victory.

"This is a huge victory for families. For the past decade, Congress has tried to pass such legislation, and now it is complete," said Chad Hills, an analyst for gambling research and policy at Focus on the Family Action.

A victory for families is one way to describe what happened. The only problem is that it is still not illegal for individuals to gamble online. That means that families have not been protected by the new rule.

There are many current legislators that believe they have the answer that will truly help American families. That answer is regulation of the online gambling industry.

If regulated, the industry would pump millions if not billions of dollars into the American economy. That is something that would help families. Regulations would also mean that companies would have to follow laws regarding age requirements and loss limits, something that currently does not have to be adhered to. That would also help families.

"Unfortunately, remarks like those of Mr. Hills show the problems of today's society. People are fighting for some things that they do not even clearly understand. Their sole purpose is to feel good about themselves that they are fighting for a cause," said Nicholas Tremedary, a former lobbyist who now works as a consultant. "In the case of these new rules that have been published, they still do almost nothing to stop Internet gambling in America."

November 15, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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