MORE URGENT ISSUES DEMAND THE FEDS' ATTENTION

17 August 2007

Putting the pursuit of online gambling into perspective

One of the more sensible articles we've seen this week appeared on the CNET News site, where freelance author Don Reisinger wrote an op-ed piece on the determined pursuit of online gambling by US federal authorities and its consequences.

The article raises the appropriate question of whether government resources would not be better spent going after paedophiles, for example who damage the great fabric of the Internet.

"Simply put, gambling sites should be kept alive," Reisinger writes. "Who is anyone to say that you can't spend your hard-earned money on anything you wish? You go to the horse track and drop some cash and you might even go to Las Vegas and drop some more. How is online gambling so different?

"Doesn't anyone else see the confusion that exists in the world of online gambling? I can bet on any sports game I want if I fly to Las Vegas and stay a week, why can't I put a server in Las Vegas and run an online sports gambling site? The answer is simple: it's business.

"If the federal government saw tax dollars from each gambling enterprise, I guarantee you we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. There's always been this issue with the Internet. Companies can put servers overseas while operating in the United States and save thousands of dollars in taxes by doing it. The same holds true for gambling sites."

Reisinger concludes with the valid observation that the Internet is a source of information and entertainment for people of all ages and views: "If you want to look up today's box score, head on over to your favorite sports site and check it out. If you want the latest tech news, well I think you know where you should go.

"And by goodness, if you want to go online and drop $100 on the Yankees game today, then be my guest - it's your choice.

"I realize the Internet needs policing and I fully understand that need, but sometimes enough is enough. I'm not a big gambler because, well, I don't like flushing money down a toilet. But if you are a gambler and you're happier doing that, then be my guest - it's your life and it's your decision. No one else's."

http://news.com.com:80/8301-10784_3-9760315-7.html

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa