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Since 1999, Internet Gambling has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry. Hundreds of online gambling sites have opened, offering a myriad of ways to spend your money, from multi-player poker to slots.
So this begs the question: "Is online gambling a vice or just another form of entertainment?"
At this time, our lawmakers on Capitol Hill are trying to answer this question. Bills such as HR 3125, put forth in 1999 by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) called for banning online gambling outright. Other bills such as HR 5760 call for the study of the industry and a more moderate regulation of gambling to ensure restricted access to minors and help for the helplessly addicted. As recently as June 2003, Rep. John Linder of Georgia sponsored HR 2143, which sought to prevent Americans from funding their online casino accounts with credit cards or bank transfers.
It amazes me that so much voting is going on while the true owners of this Democracy (you and I) have had no real say. Take the poll below. It is set up to ensure only one vote per person. After it reaches a sufficient number of unique votes, I will endeavor to have the poll results forwarded to the various lawmakers involved in deciding the fate of internet gambling. If you so desire, you can even click HERE and contact your senator through email or phone. After taking the poll, be sure to check the links to our message board to argue your case. Also, you might take a minute to review the author's own opinion on online gambling and rationale for this poll and site. Other links of interest include various online casinos as well as links to current and past online gambling law and legislation.
My rationale for creating this page is two-fold. First, I am very curious as to how the online community feels about this subject. Secondly, I am an aspiring university student, completing a research project about online gambling, and plan to use this poll as a source in my final work.
As far as my opinion, I am somewhat torn on this subject. On one hand, I believe gambling, when treated as entertainment is quite harmless. On the other hand, I know there are many who can become quite addicted to gambling of any sort.
As a result, I must fall into the category of "Legalized but Regulated." While I do not think it is any of the government's business to hinder my freedom to place a wager, I do understand that some sort of legislation that shields minors and assists the addicted would be most helpful. Meanwhile, I will certainly continue to save money by not driving to Las Vegas or Tunica if I decide to place a bet!
Some of the best online casinos and poker sites are linked below. Many of them offer great promotions upon sign up, as I have detailed. They allow you to play with "play money" or real cash. If you enjoy placing the occasional bet, feel free to hit these links to reputable and entertaining sites!
Poker-Strategy.Org - The best poker strategy site on the internet. Learn how to play poker
and then where to play online, to maximize your winnings.
PartyPoker.com - $25 BONUS for registering, when you use the promotional code
"CARDSHARK". You can also play with "Play Money" for fun!
If you are interested in playing online poker and slots, you might want to first take a look at my Casino Links page, where I have provided a more in-depth look at the various online casinos and poker tables and their promo's.
Adlaw ByRequest - Deals with H.R. 556, attempt to ban online
gambling.
LegalPoker.org - This links directly to an article on the latest legislation concerning the regulation
of gambling, rather than the banning thereof. (H.R. 5760)
Internet Gambling Law: What you should know - A pro-gambling opinion
site that relates the history of gambling legislation as far back as 1999.
www.gamblingandthelaw.com - Homepage of Professor I. Nelson Rose, Harvard Grad, member of
the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee. Features a wealth of information on gambling legislation, categorized by state, etc...