There continues to be support for online gambling in the United States. Two limited bills that relate to the online activity have recently received support. Also a leading U.S-based newspaper recently supported online gambling in an editorial. Unfortunately this is not enough support to make online gambling a reality. However, it is in the right direction.
The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Bill of 2011
Bill HR 2334 entitled, “The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Bill of 2011”, was re-launched by a Democratic Representative on June 23rd, 2011 with a Republican co-sponsor. The same bill was brought to the table in the previous session of Congress but was unable to be discussed. A statement from the U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) urged Congress to pass the bill in order to improve education and protection for problem gamblers.
More specifically, the bill provides the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration the authority to address the problem and gives them additional Federal funding for the illness. A spokesperson for the group stated that they are excited about working with advocates to pass this historic bill.
The Poker Only Bill
Also in June 2011, a Republican representative from Texas introduced HR 2366 to the House of Representatives. This bill is known as the “Poker Only” bill as it is intended to legalize and regulate only online poker instead of all casino games. This bill was introduced under the Energy and commerce Committee and was co-sponsored by another one other Republican representative and three Democrats.
Since the introduction of this bill, the number of co-sponsors continues to rise. In the past week, five additional names have been added to total 25. Although the bill was introduced by a Republican, only six of the 25 are co-sponsors.
click here to see most Popular PagesMedia Support for Online Gambling
The most recent newspaper to publish an editorial article with support for the legalization of online gambling is the New York Observer. The article discusses how the taxation is likely to solve many state’s revenue problems. Furthermore, the author attacks local and state governments for making less wise and less creative decisions with regards to new revenue streams.
As support for the legalization of online gambling in the United States continues to grow, it is likely a bill will eventually be passed and a federal system developed. Online gambling could be kick start the U.S. economy needs to fall back into place.
