Should Online Poker Be Legalized?
As federal and state funds dwindle, lawmakers are eyeing a potentially lucrative source of income: Internet poker. According to a 2006 U.S. law, it’s illegal to pay for most online wagers with a credit card—which basically prohibits Americans from betting money on online poker or other such games. (Some people get around this by using foreign credit cards and bank accounts.) A bill sponsored by Rep. Robert Wexler (D., Fla.) seeks to exempt online poker and other games of skill from the law. If the legislation passes, it could lead to more than $3 billion a year in taxes.
“Regulating online poker could be a new revenue stream,” says Josh Rogin, a representative for Wexler, “and there aren’t many these days.” But critics fear that making it legal to bet money on Internet poker could harm people’s bank accounts—and lives. “The proposed legislation does not include funding for programs to prevent and treat gambling problems,” says Executive Director Keith Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Tell us: Should online poker be legalized? Vote.
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June 5th, 2008 at 11:28
Nice post! Yes the online poker should be legal. Really Online poker has become increasingly popular in the last few years and Celebrity Poker on TV has made it even more popular than ever. Now every one are interested to play.