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Internet gambling bill would not prohibit online poker
\"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,\" says Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV).
In May, 2006, Congresswoman Berkley cosponsored bipartisan legislation that sought to create a federal study on Internet gaming. The study bill was a direct response to efforts in the House to ban all forms of on-line gaming.
\"Internet gaming is becoming more popular every day and we need a comprehensive federal study that looks at the question of whether or not it can be effectively regulated and what role technology can play in accomplishing that goal,\" said Berkley, who co-chairs the Congressional Gaming Caucus.
Titled The Internet Gambling Study Commission Act, the bill was meant to counter renewed efforts in the House to enact a sweeping ban that would prohibit all forms of on-line gaming. Berkley questions the effectiveness of such a ban, given the limited information now available on how such a legislation would be enforced. Berkley has also expressed concern about federal intrusion into an arena normally reserved for the individual states.
\"Nevada is the world model for well-regulated gaming and people who come to the Las Vegas strip know they are not going to be ripped-off. As a nation, we should look at whether or not the Nevada model can also be used to regulate gaming on-line. That is just one of the many questions I hope this study will answer,\" said Berkley. \"It is not the role of the federal government to tell adults how they should spend their money, and that includes betting on-line.\"
The bill was introduced by Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV) and was cosponsored by more than 40 House Members. The legislation calls for creation of a federally appointed panel to study questions relating to Internet gaming and requires the panel to report its findings and recommendations for future action.
In July, Congresswoman Berkley again voted against Republican-led efforts to ban casino gaming on the Internet and unsuccessfully fought to amend the legislation to close a loophole giving special exemptions to horse racing and lotteries.
\"This 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. The fact that this bill was included in the GOP\'s \"Values Agenda\" proves it is nothing more than an election-year ploy to satisfy Republicans on the far right who want to outlaw adults from gambling in Nevada or anywhere else,\" said Berkley.
\"I continue to be amazed by the members of this body who constantly rail against an intrusive federal government, and yet, when it comes to gaming, they are the first to call for more government intrusion,\" Berkley said. \"A man\'s home is his castle unless he chooses to participate in online gaming. Then his home becomes the province of the federal government.\"
\"The vast majority of states allow gaming and regulate it, whether it be lotteries, racing, card rooms, or casinos. This bill would make a legal activity illegal in those same states solely because it is done online rather than in a casino. In reality the intent of this bill is to attack and undermine legal gaming in our nation,\" said Berkley.
An amendment to H.R. 4411, the \"Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act,\" offered by Congresswoman Berkley would have eliminated provisions in the bill that specifically exempt lotteries and horse racing from the ban on gambling over the Internet. While her amendment was ultimately rejected, Berkley cites the loophole as evidence of the hypocrisy displayed by the bill\'s backers. These lawmakers claim the legislation will crack-down on betting over the Internet, but tout the fact that it contains exemptions protecting the interests of the horse racing industry and lottery companies.
\"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. 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,\" said Berkley.
Berkley believes Congress should thoroughly examine the issue of Internet gaming to assess how states and gaming entities might use technology and state regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of Internet gaming based in the U.S. With billions of dollars going from the US to foreign Internet gaming operations, Berkley urges Congress to leave the door open for U.S.-based gaming entities to provide safe, regulated and state-taxed Internet gaming options.
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