[natty]

By Lisa Mascaro
Las Vegas Sun


WASHINGTON - Any hopes Las Vegas casinos had of the federal government gently starting to loosen prohibitions on Internet gambling are likely stalled now that U.S. House Republicans have decided to target online betting as a cornerstone of their election-year American Values Agenda.

The casinos have been watching on the sidelines as the online jackpot has become a lucrative $15 billion industry worldwide in just a few short years. Internet gambling is the fastest-growing segment of the industry, with 8 million Americans gambling - illegally - online.

Earlier this year, the American Gaming Association called for a congressional study to determine the feasibility of perhaps regulating online gambling, much as Nevada and other states oversee rules for brick-and-mortar casinos. Nevada Reps. Jon Porter, a Republican, and Shelley Berkley, a Democrat, joined forces this spring to introduce legislation establishing a study commission.

But that objective is essentially doomed now that House Republicans have made anti-gambling legislation part of their conservative agenda of 10 bills - including bans on gay marriage, flag burning and abortion - to be addressed in the run-up to the November elections.

As early as next week, legislation that would clamp down on Internet gambling could be headed for a floor vote in the House, where many believe it is likely to pass. Its prospects in the Senate remain less certain.

David Stewart, a Washington attorney who represents the American Gaming Association and companies interested in Internet gambling, said casinos intend to watch the election-year action unfold, then figure out their next move.

Congress has tried repeatedly to strengthen the prohibitions against online gambling over the next decade, but has yet to pass any new laws on the subject.

"We've been around this track a lot," Stewart said.

If Internet gambling legislation is not approved this year, Porter and Berkley would "be in fine shape to go forward" with their push for a study, Stewart said.

"If this does happen, it might not be very sensible to go after it next year," he added.

The casinos' quiet persistence is what motivates traditional values advocate James Dobson's efforts to make sure that 2006 is the year that online betting is banned for good.

Dobson's Colorado-based Focus on the Family group believes it's only a matter of time before the gaming industry pushes for legalization of online gambling. The organization believes that online gambling is even more problematic than casino action because it brings wagering into homes.

"This year is one of our last chances to get this legislation passed. It's going to be more and more difficult in the future just because of the momentum this thing's carrying with it," said Chad Hills, a gaming policy analyst at Focus on the Family. "The gambling industry is not going to remain neutral on this because they're starting to see the dollar signs flash."

House Republicans plan to roll out conservative-oriented bills as part of their American Values Agenda in the next several weeks. GOP leaders hope the debates - coupled with last month's Senate debates over gay marriage and flag burning - will motivate conservative voters on Election Day, helping fend off Democratic efforts to gain the majority in the lower chamber.

[BigDog]

Stupid Mother Fvcking Politicians!

[Bulldog]

Of course political arguments are always controversial but I say...

Democrats want your money!
Republicans want your soul!

Vote Libertarian!!!

[picantel]

I will never understand why anyone(besides rich old white people) votes for republicans. I will really never understand why Ohio who is mostly blue collar voted for Bush and cost the democrats the elections. They are slowly eroding all of our freedoms. Cameras at every street corner. Implanted Id chips. removal of all personal rights. Force feeding their own racist views and shoving their idea of 'religion' down everyones throats in all parts of the world. Ridiculous.

[LGBoots]

What is it with American Politicians that make them behave so stupid when it comes to Internet Gambling

One of the few decent things that Tony Blair has done for the UK was the scrapping of betting duty (Was 9% that the punter paid either on his stake or winnings)

By doing this the UK is now reaping the rewards as the UK Books are booming & paying a lot more in tax into Government coffers.

I can't understand why the US does not do the same & benefit in the same way, no doubt it is mostly all down to religion , what right have these people got to tell you guys that you can't bet on sports or play at on-line Casinos?

[Seattle Slew]

Regardless of what the House does, I don't think the Senate will even touch this legislation. The banking industry will be full force against this.

Remember, the House is also tackling a gay marriage ban even though the Senate has already rejected it, meaning anything they pass is worthless.

[Dark Horse]

I swear to God I'm leaving this country if this goes through.

Un-f*cking-believable.

[BigDog]

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

I swear to God I'm leaving this country if this goes through.

Un-f*cking-believable.

Amen to that! ....I have been in Costa Rica for the past 10 days and trust me,this is not a bad alternative....Just beware of traffic It amazes me everytime I go somehere.....stopsigns and stoplights may as well not even exist....people driving down the wrong side of the road and beggars standing in the middle of traffic.....fvck,I'd be a nervous wreck if I had to drive in this country