BY DEREK ROSE - NY DAILY NEWS
Originally published on July 11, 2006.
Congress is looking to pull the plug on Americans who go online to place bets with offshore Internet gambling sites. The House is poised to vote today on a Republican bill that would ban the use of credit cards and other electronic transfers to pay online bets. The bill, which sponsors say aims to make it clear it’s illegal for Americans to gamble online, also gives authorities legal tools to block access to Web sites like PartyPoker.com and Sportsbook.com.
Critics call the measure unenforceable and note it would not stop Internet betting on horse racing or online state lotteries like New Jersey’s Cyber Slingo.
“It’s pretty hypocritical,” said Jim Quinn, president of the Off Shore Gaming Association.
On the gambling forum TheRX.com, many lambasted the bill as more government interference in their lives.
“Just another example of Republicans trying to legislate morality,” said a user identified as 919. “Ironically they support the biggest scam of them all … the lottery.”
Consultant Kenyon Muller, 35, of Westchester considers himself a responsible gambler, wagering about $500 a month during football season using BetCRIS.com.
“I’d be really disappointed if this bill passes,” said Muller, who is betting that the measure won’t be approved by the Senate. “People are always going to gamble online, so you’re just going to push it further underground. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Muller said Internet sportsbooks allow him to bet less than Vegas oddsmakers, sometimes as little as $2. “You just can’t beat the convenience.”
Americans are estimated to spend as much as $6 billion on offshore gambling, and Quinn said it was safe to say millions of people have gambled online.
Pro sports leagues and many conservative groups support the ban. The Family Research Council said it was necessary to protect families from “destructive and illegal Internet gambling.”
Published: 2006-07-11
Bettor's enjoyed a good week with many favorites winning, especially in baseball. Sunday alone in baseball there were 13 defined favorites which won, so with results like that bookmakers generally have a tough time of it.
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2007-01-03 | permalink
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