40 000 REASONS TO OPPOSE ONLINE GAMBLING?

7 December 2007

Racing industry generous to anti-online gambling politician


One of online gambling's most passionate detractors apparently enjoys almost $40 000 in encouragement and support from an industry that benefits increasingly from his attacks on Internet gambling.

According to an article on Gambling Web this week the wannabe nemesis of online gambling, Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, has accepted almost $40 000 in campaign funds from the horse racing industry.

Goodlatte has consistently been an ardent supporter of anti-online gambling legislation that gives inequitable carve-outs for Internet betting through state lotteries, fantasy sports and, yes - horse racing in the United States. And the latter has in particular embraced the opportunity with expanded online betting activities (see recent InfoPowa reports)

Goodlatte has been frequently quoted as supporting the view that online gambling is immoral, somewhat out of balance with his support for the carve outs, which have contributed to the invidious (and potentially expensive) situation that the United Stated currently finds itself in vis-a-vis the World Trade Organisation; facing billions in claims from other nations..

Goodlatte has been vociferous in his efforts to get online gambling banned or hamstrung. Last month, he appeared before the House Judiciary Committee hearing on online gambling assembled by Congressman John Conyers, where he again insisted that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act - which seeks to prohibit financial transactions with online gambling companies - be enforced with criminal prosecutions.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa