Bush Signs Bill Banning Internet Gambling

Authored by Robert Spears on October 13, 2006 - 1:21pm.

Washington, DC - President Bush today signed into law a ban on online wagering. The legislation was included in the SAFE Port Act. The decision by the Republican majority to lump the Internet gambling ban onto the bipartisan ports bill had drawn loud criticism from industry groups for the legalization and regulation of online gambling. Opponents of the new law include Poker Players Alliance a grassroots advocacy organization of more than 110,000 poker enthusiasts. "Today is a dark day for the great American game of poker," said Michael Bolcerek, president of alliance. "Congress had a real opportunity to create good public policy by licensing, regulating and taxing Internet poker... This decision will prove to be detrimental in the long-run and leaves more than $4 billion in annual tax revenue on the table." The legislation contains specific exemptions for Internet wagers on horse racing, state lotteries and fantasy sports.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061013/pl_nm/security_bush_dc_1
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061013/dcf009.html?.v=70
http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org

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Comments

Players More Unprotected

Submitted by Doug Savoy (not verified) on October 20, 2006 - 6:07pm.

The major impact of the gambling bill, and the resulting exodus by some of the most responsible, licensed operators, is the effect on players - as the industry goes underground, it leaves us more unprotected than ever. We have formed a coalition to fight the gambling ban - Poker Patriots. Poker Patriots will strive to create a community of players and advocates with a purpose - to reverse the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and demand the US government license and regulate the industry. It is inherent in all American poker players to defend their rights against the special interests that created the bill and become Poker Patriots. We call on them to join the fight for the right to play at Poker Patriots. Thanks, Doug Savoy Poker Patriot

Free Country?

Submitted by anonymous (not verified) on February 1, 2007 - 6:40am.

This bill is ridiculous. The US claims to be a free nation where one can be free. However we have so many laws that at the end of the day you can't help but ask yourself if you are truly free. Because this online gambling bill signed by Bush I cannot register at all the most reputable online casinos. If you can go gamble at Vegas why can't you do it online? This is a ridiculous bill. This is another downfall and bad decision by the Bush administration.