"Unworkable" Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, Claims Rep. Berkley
Representative Shelley Berkley did not like the idea of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act from the time even before its inception. Rep. Berkley opposed the UIGEA, and now is one of the leading legislators looking to have the law overturned.
Berkley has referred to the law as the "Unworkable" Internet Gambling Enforcement Act because of the burden it places on financial institutions. The importance of Berkley to the law changes in the state she is from, Nevada. The state that has the largest casino gambling industry in the US has had lawmakers hesitant to endorse online gambling.
Gaming officials in Nevada are starting to split on the idea of Internet gambling. Steve Wynn, owner of Wynn Resorts and one of the most influential gambling moguls in the world, has been strongly against online gambling regulations, suggesting that regulations may hurt the land-based industry.
Harrah's Entertainment, on the other hand, has already launched Caesar's Palace online where they accept wagers from gamblers located outside the US. Harrah's may be anticipating law changes in the future in the country and the company is well ahead of the curve should those changes take place.
As for Rep. Berkley, her stance is similar to that of Rep. Barney Frank, the legislative leader of the battle against the UIGEA. Frank and Berkley are both of the belief that US citizens should be allowed to do whatever they want with their entertainment dollars.
"I firmly believe adults have the right to choose how they spend their leisure time and money," said Berkley, in a commentary written special to Roll Call, "and that includes the ability to participate in Internet gaming from the privacy of their own homes and computers."
Rep. Berkley also explains in the piece how technology has changed and how Internet sites have the ability to successfully put safeguards in place to keep underage gamblers from placing bets. The underage and problem gambling issues have been key to online gambling legislative debates in the past.
Rep. Frank has introduced legislation that would overturn the UIGEA and lay the foundation for a regulated Internet gambling industry in the US. The legislation was expected to be discussed earlier this year, but the economy took precedence in the House Financial Services Committee that Frank chairs.
The online gambling issue may be brought back up in the fall, or Frank may choose to wait until after the election cycle in November, meaning the discussions would not take place until early in 2011. As for Berkley, the legislator is ready for the battle now.
"Just as our nation learned from prohibition, when the law actually helps the bad guys instead of protecting Americans against criminals, and only makes matters worse all around, it's time to start over."
Source
Streak Gaming Online Gambling Forum
"Unworkable" Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, Claims Rep. Berkley
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