Important Internet Gambling Language Dropped From Republican Platform

Greg Raymer's words rand true and it is not known whether they swayed the GOP Platform Committee, but it appears some of them were at least listening.

The Committee on Tuesday eliminated a prohibition of Internet gambling from its draft platform. The move could have been considered a ploy to prove that the party can reach a wider base, but even if that is the case, the removal of the language from the platform is a significant step for the online gaming community.

"My point is simple. Is the Republican Party no longer the party of personal freedom and individual responsibility," wrote Raymer. "Why has this party, that used to protect my rights, now become the party that wants to create a Nanny-state?"

In 2000 and 2004, the Republican platform had language that drove away Internet gambling. "Millions of Americans suffer from problem or pathological gambling that can destroy families. We support legislation prohibiting gambling over the Internet or in student athletics by student athletes who are participating in competitive sports," read the platform.

That language has been removed this year, and while it is a small step, the online gaming community still believes it is a step in the right direction. Others, however, are wary of the motives of the Republicans.

"They (Republicans) are just doing this to win an election. They have continually shot down Legislation that was offered up to regulate Internet gambling. Now they are going to pretend that those votes didn't happen. People had better be cautious about taking them at their word," said John Libscoll, an online poker player who has done several studies on the effects of Internet gambling in relation to problem gambling.

August 26, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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