Fighting H.R. 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act

[managra]

What can we do? Mount a campaign that we strongly disagree with this action. By "we" i mean the casinos, pokerrooms, Netellers, gambling forums, ISPs, and players.

Last week i sent an email to express my opposition to the Dubai Ports deal. The well-written email was drafted by a website and it allowed me to edit it, i.e. make additional comments. Then, all i had to do was click the "send" button. I did have to furnish some personal info (name and address) but i was assured that it would not result in any spam or used for telemarketing purposes. It was a risk i was happy to take as i wanted to speak out.The email automatically went to the White House and every congressman and senator in my State. CM, if you want a link to this website to get some ideas let me know. I'll be happy to PM you about it. You might want to consider canvassing for volunteers for a task force on this issue. I'll be happy to assist you with any endeavor in any way as well as i'm fed up by the Religious Right trying to take important rights away.

The reason why credit cards are no longer allowed for online gambling is a little more complex, if i'm not mistaken. There was a woman who had worked up $77K in gambling losses and all by using her credit cards. She then successfully sued the credit card companies to have these charges reversed to her account. CC companies not wanting to be burned again, stopped the use of cc for gambling. Since then you can use your own money for online gambling.

This is so hypocrytical!!! You can buy lottery and scratch tickets on every street corner. Now, these are products with horrible odds and purchased mainly by people who can least afford these gambles. This is all heavily promoted by State Gov't.

Frankly, it made me feel good to be able to speak out and voice my opinion without engaging in street protests. I suppose lots of people feel the same but don't know how to go about it and don't want to spend the time finding the appropriate email addresses. In frustration they decide to do nothing. So, doing all the groundwork for them is likely to result in a lot of email action.

 

[BubbleG]

The reason why credit cards are no longer allowed for online gambling is a little more complex, if i'm not mistaken. There was a woman who had worked up $77K in gambling losses and all by using her credit cards. She then successfully sued the credit card companies to have these charges reversed to her account. CC companies not wanting to be burned again, stopped the use of cc for gambling. Since then you can use your own money for online gambling.

This is so hypocrytical!!! You can buy lottery and scratch tickets on every street corner. Now, these are products with horrible odds and purchased mainly by people who can least afford these gambles. This is all heavily promoted by State Gov't.

The US Govt is only pissed cause its getting none of the action.... Just like the above eg, God dam nanny states.... How the few can fuk it up for the many... Its ok, its not your fault your a retard, who can we sue

Its bad here in the UK but as far as gambling goes, LOOL, its going nowhere!!Practically every event has major casino/poker/sportsbook sponorship....

 

[mattysgirl]

censorship

All I can say is, the USA government has other issues to worry about!!
OMG we have a war going on, the state of LA to fix, the FEMA situation to correct, child porn, the homless and the hungry, running out of social security, schools that dont have enough funds to run properly, teachers underpaid, drug smugglers that bring drugs into this country in animals or any other way for that matter, eldery people that cant afford medication to keep them alive.... this list could go on!!!

They need to get a clue and focus on some real issues, not the issue of what people choose to do in the privacy of there own home.

Funny that state lotterys use the funds to fund schools, is this not gambling??
talk about being hypocrites, use gambling funds for schools, yet gambling corupts kids "BTW little johnny your new books came from gambling" lol that should teach kids a nice leasson about gambling..lol

Another perfect example about this is I went into a riverboat and had to pay a $2 entrance fee (yeah i was thinking i am pretty sure i will give you at least $2 when i go in there) I was told the fee was mandated by the state and that it goes to schools.

This is all coming down to the all mighty dollar!

mattysgirl

 

[Peaceful1]

And, as far as the bill goes (H.R. 4777)

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...just food for thought...along with Adelphia's policy and the speculation of "testing".. it does make one wonder.


One particular portion of H.R. 4777:

(A) be limited to the removal of, or disabling
of access to, an online site violating this section, or
a hypertext link to an online site violating this section,
that resides on a computer server that such service controls
or operates; except this limitation shall not apply if the service
is violating this section or is in active concert with a person
who is violating this section and receives actual notice of the relief;
(B) be available only after notice to the interactive computer service
and an opportunity for the service to appear are provided;
(C) not impose any obligation on an interactive computer service to
monitor its service or to affirmatively seek facts indicating activity
violating this section;
(D) specify the interactive computer service to
which it applies; and
(E) specifically identify the location of the online site or hypertext link
to be removed or access to which is to be disabled..


It implies that notice/communication would be provided upfront, however, that is once (and if) it is actually in effect, (doesn't say anything about having to disclose any testing/preparation procedures, same goes for the ISP)..and it demonstrates that "filtering" measures are strongly being considered and outlined in this Bill.

The Bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for review, and thus far I have not seen any scheduled hearings in the Daily Digest, or on their weekly calendar for legislation topics, but they still have time for this. But we are at approximately step 5 of 18 as far as a bill actually being signed/vetoed by the President.. so we still have a ways to go.


If opponents of this bill really wanted to take a stand on this, the time would be now, while it is in the hands of the House Judiciary Committee. As this link Outdated URL (Invalid) quotes:

"Perhaps the most important phase of the legislative process is the action by committees. The committees provide the most intensive consideration to a proposed measure as well as the forum where the public is given their opportunity to be heard."

 

[managra]

Has anyone else thought that the main force behind this may be the b&m casinos within the USA pressuring the gov't (money talks) into blocking online gambling sites? I'm sure it's got to hurt their bottom line, even by just a little bit.

According to a Dec 2005 article in Forbes the opposite is true. The article predicts OG will be legalized by 2007. Here is the link:

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[cipher]

Here's the facts!!!

First off the attached decision is the law of the land here in the United States and since the original decision it has been upheld on appeal.

The fact of the matter is that until someone or a group of persons put their money where their mouths are there will be nothing accomplished but a bunch of kvetching and moaning.

The Attorney General is going to continue to put the heat on anyone that he can and will continue to intimidate until he's stopped in his tracks with an Order for Injuctive Relief (an injunction).

There are some damn good attorneys in this field and it's high time that we collectively (casino owner, webmaster and player) alike put together a fund to hire a top notch attorney to stop these suckers.

I'm willing to pony up a $1,000.00 to get this thing started. This is our Internet not the governments Internet and it's about time that all of us start accepting the ownership of it and for it.

Have a good one.

 

[Peaceful1]

Here you go...

Old / Expired Link

Seems that you can click on each member to go to their webpage. You can even email them if you're in their district. If not, you can always call.

Thank you, winbig72 (I missed a lot of postings between yesterday and today.. worked Sunday night)

Here is another link:

Old / Expired Link

And, you'll notice the link for "Write your representative", however, for those outside the U.S., you could use the main address listed for the Committee on the Judiciary, and could specify to the attention of: Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property Subcommittee, and be sure to reference H.R. 4777 - the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.

You will see that, yes, Goodlatte is a member of this subcommittee, but members of the House and subcommittees have to adhere to House rules and take all into consideration, and remember, his opinion may not necessarily reflect those of others, even his fellow Representatives.

 

[Westland Bowl]

The link to the online gambling bill is buried within this thread so I'll post it again here: Outdated URL (Invalid)

You can check the status of this bill there. So far 118 co-sponsors have signed up, but only 2 joined since the bill's introduction on Feb 16th.

 

[Professor]

Guys here is WHY legislation didn't pass the last few times around and why it's far more likely to be approved this time.

Please read this article from today's Wall Street Journal

Old / Expired Link

Evein if YOU dont see legislation as a possibilty, we really DO need to work together to do everything we can to ensure this thing doesnt make it into law. Don't just assume everything will fall into place on it's own. Please be active.

 

[Westland Bowl]

Guys here is WHY legislation didn't pass the last few times around and why it's far more likely to be approved this time......Evein if YOU dont see legislation as a possibilty, we really DO need to work together to do everything we can to ensure this thing doesnt make it into law. Don't just assume everything will fall into place on it's own. Please be active.

Well, Goodlatte is in Jerry Falwell country so it's no surprise he is for banning online betting sites. Most of the Virginian congressmen/women are on this bill including those in Pat Robertson country where I'm at. I'm a member of a heavily pro-Robertson church, in fact Pat Robertson's wife (though she's Catholic) goes there, but I'm against these efforts at censorship and discrimination of one form of betting over the others. So, here I am, lumped with the so-called Christian Right, who is NOT for banning online gambling sites. Falwell and Robertson do NOT speak for me though I'm active in their midst. It's time for me to write a letter to my congresswoman.

 

[managra]

Recommend everyone reading the WSJ article quoted in The Professor's post. If you do, please don't forget to vote on the poll there about whether internet gambling should be banned (it will take only 3 seconds and every little bit helps).

Early on in this thread some poster mentioned that the industry has been experiencing these threats numerous times and collectively staged a response. So, presumably there is know-how on how to approach the current threat collectively and in the most effective manner possible.

I just hope this thread isn't a good example of such collective action. Action type posts got buried, and overlooked, between numerous posts that had not much, or nothing, to do with this topic. Well-meaning posters have been ridiculed by people soliciting them to take action. Yeah, you really stir people into action by offending them because they make suggestions to collectively come up with a better product! This was followed by pages commenting whether the ridicule was justified or not. Many opinions were voiced that the current situation was serious only to be followed by other posts saying that there's not much to worry about it. It only creates confusion and induces readers . . . to do nothing.

You want action?

-Start with a new thread that discuss the problem (which is described in the WSJ article. The problem is NOT that Adelphia cut off access to gaming sites for a few hours last week; so don't bring it up again, please).
-Describe in this thread what action would be desired by anyone visiting CM (don't overlook the lurkers!).
-Post a good draft of a letter/email to be used by readers and give this letter a good title for the email's subject line so that it will not be tossed by the recipient.
-Post email addresses of everyone to whom the letter/email should be/could be sent
-Closely monitor this thread and move all unnecessary posts to another thread.
-Email the link of this new thread to ALL registered CM users, at a minimum to those from the US, and ask them to please visit the thread in view of the gravity of the situation.
-Consider the impact of passing this proposed legislation on non-US players and explain what action, if any, they could take.

If you want action, use all the resources you can get, stop bickering, leave the big ego at home, and, by all means, treat everyone with respect.

 

[jetset]

Well considered post and a sound idea to keep attention tightly focused on fighting the efforts of Goodlatte, Leach and Kyl to ban online gambling in the USA.

In the past organisations like the IGC framed draft letters to politicians and widely publicised awareness and possible counter-measures.

Perhaps they are gearing up for that again at present, but that does not stop individuals who feel strongly about the principles and possible repercussions of this sort of legislation from taking independent action.

 

[sdaddy]

Professor,

Thanks for the link to the WSJ article. Reading that really did raise my awareness of how energized the opponents of internet gambling are in the US Congress this year. I've been procrastinating, but I'll be getting an email off to my representative ASAP expressing my strong opposition to HR 4777. I also concur with all the sentiments about trying to put our differences aside and uniting in this effort.


As far as my earlier post that my Adelphia PA service might be blocking Bellerock casino downloads, I now don't believe that's what's going on. I was getting this error when clicking the download link:

Your client sent a request that this server didn't understand.
Request: VT=429317289&url=
Outdated URL (Invalid)

However, I found that when I manually copy URL for the download file into my browser I can successfully start the download. I'm still not sure why I don't have to do that from my work ISP, but there's apparently no filtering going on in this case.

 

[Peaceful1]

IMPORTANT "QUICK" LINK

You may want to save this link in your "Favorites" folder. It is a daily roll-call of the votes made by the Members of the House of Representatives (number of "yeas", "nays", and "not voting".

It updates daily, and lists the issue/proposal voted on (the one vital to us will be H.R. 4777, of course). To see the specific tally of votes, click on the "Roll" number (first column). I still have not noticed anything yet, and I worked on the Daily Digest last night. Just thought I would provide this for the members, if you want to check periodically, on the status of the proposed bill.

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[managra]

It updates daily, and lists the issue/proposal voted on (the one vital to us will be H.R. 4777, of course). To see the specific tally of votes, click on the "Roll" number (first column). I still have not noticed anything yet, and I worked on the Daily Digest last night. Just thought I would provide this for the members, if you want to check periodically, on the status of the proposed bill.

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Thanks, Cynthia, for posting this link. What does the roll call mean exactly? Should we try to email appropriate people before this roll call or wait until then? Just trying to ascertain what timeframe and what window of opportunity (to speak out) we have and what would be the most effective time to email.

Jetset, much respected here and very knowledgeable about the industry, posted that in the past the IGC et al raised awareness and published draft letters but he is unaware whether a similar effort is being mounted by them at present. This, again, might induce people to wait until the IGC comes up with some directives and loudly sounds the alarm. HR4777 is quite dangerous given the current climate in which outright banning of internet gambling might finally be passed. Yet, i don't sense a great sense of urgency to do something from what i have been reading in this thread. What's your take on it, Cynthia?

 

[Peaceful1]

The Roll Call in the House of Representatives is an electronic voting machine that is used by each member in attendance (and some not physically present under special circumstances) to which they vote in favor of, or NOT in favor of, the proposed bill. A member can also decide to not cast their vote either way and just list "present" for their attendance. However, before the proposed bill can pass through the House and onto the next step in legislation, it has to be approved (voted YEA) by three-fifths of the Members.

It then goes onto the Senate for review and approval/disapproval, but generally has to have UNANIMOUS approval (this is where the likelihood of NOT passing the bill, or at least major time delays can happen - Senate can make changes/amendments to it, then would have to go BACK to the House for review, put on a calendar (future date) for review, and possibly conference between the two houses (House of Reps. and Senate).

If the Senate should have unanimous approval without further consideration (it takes only one Senator to have a slight reservation, or want to amend some part of that bill) ... it would then go onto Budget Review and presentation to the President to approve or veto the bill (he has 10 days to do this, or if he does not sign action either way within the allotted time frame of 10 days, it automatically passes). It is stated that if a bill is not of a controversial nature (AND WE KNOW THIS IS NOT THE CASE! ... does it usually receive unanimous approval by the Senate and goes through "without a hitch", so to speak...

The time to take action as far as presenting our opposition is now, while it is under review by the subcommittees and task forces, so I would hope that everyone is getting their letters together. Another word of advice, is better to send your correspondence via email, because of the heightened security measures in the Washington, DC, paper mail may be delayed (I personally would send both, even if it is delayed, it is still early, but at least you have your email responses in, and with the addition of the paper mail, this produces more volume of responses of opposition to this.)

If a public hearing is arranged, the House has to give at least one week's notice before it takes place. I have not seen anything yet as far as dates, and I have checked various calendars and subcommittees. I will keep an eye out on this, and post as soon as I can make it available, and it certainly doesn't hurt for the members here to check those website links I provided earlier, in case I can't get to post here in time enough, etc.

There is quite a bit of work still to be done in the process before it goes to the House and voted by Roll Call. We are somewhere around step 5-6 of the Legislative process and the Roll Call is Step 11.

I have no doubt that organizations such as IGC will more than likely draft their opposition this time around as well. I have checked their site and the latest press release I noticed was Feb. 2006 when this bill was presented again, so I am sure that if they haven't already done so, it is in the works.

 

[The Dude]

Another message link

Thanks Cynthia777, some great posts there.

Here is another link that members can use to voice their opinion to their representatives.
Old / Expired Link

This is from "Poker Players Alliance" and the text is primarily poker focused, but you can edit this at will: fill out the address, choose "email" or "snail mail" and send it - it automatically goes to your rep. Pretty nifty.

I would suggest people personalize their letters. You don't want these reps think that they are receiving some poker/casino spam

 

[The Dude]

Achtung! Achtung!

Okay,

I've moved the postings that pertain directly to the Internet Prohibition Act to this new thread. If you want to keep commenting on the possible ISP blocking, US Constitution debate, APCW meltdown whatever, feel free to continue to post this stuff in the other thread. I want to use this thread as reference and discussion on the Internet Prohibition Act only. Thanks!

 

[sdaddy]

Imminent Senate Action?

I think we need to keep our eye on the US Senate now too. There's a report in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal that Senator Kyl may introduce a similar ban this week on the Senate floor.

Foes of Web gambling plan legislative move

Mar. 08, 2006 | Copyright Las Vegas Review-Journal

WASHINGTON -- Supporters of an Internet gambling ban may try this week to add the prohibition to lobbying reform legislation on the Senate floor.

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., on Tuesday, said he may offer an online wagering ban amendment as early as today.

Online gambling revenues reached $10.9 billion in 2005, according to the research firm eMarketer. The exact number of gambling Web sites is uncertain, but the total is believed much higher than the 1,800 that existed in 2000.

Kyl, who has been trying to outlaw Internet gambling for more than a decade, was asked if the industry may have become too large and powerful to be banned.

"That is a concern," he said.

Meanwhile, Kyl has gained a Democratic ally -- Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas -- in pushing for an Internet gambling ban.

"Basically, the way the Internet has functioned is that it's really opened a lot of communities -- a lot of people to gambling that otherwise they couldn't do," Pryor said.

One of the reasons Kyl and other lawmakers are renewing efforts to ban Internet gambling is the fall of Jack Abramoff, a once-powerful lobbyist who pleaded guilty in January to three felonies in a fraud and bribery case.

Abramoff, who is cooperating in a federal investigation of corruption in Congress, has been accused of killing a House bill in 2000 by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., that would have banned online wagering.

Abramoff collaborated with an aide to then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, R-Texas, to defeat the proposed ban because it would have put one of his clients out of business, according to the Washington Post.

Ironically, DeLay is one of 118 co-sponsors of Goodlatte's bill this year.

Goodlatte re-introduced his bill on Feb. 16, saying Abramoff had been responsible for "widespread disinformation" about the 2000 measure.

Pryor said he agrees.

"It did appear that there were clearly some shenanigans on the House side perpetuated by Abramoff and (Republican consultant) Ralph Reed and others that basically cost the bill its passage," Pryor said.

Sharyn Stein, a spokeswoman for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, said he will not decide how he will vote on the Kyl-Pryor amendment until he has had a chance to review it.

"In the past, Senator Reid has opposed Internet gambling because he has not been convinced it can be regulated by the same strict standards as casinos in Nevada," Stein said.

Calls to Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., were not returned.

Find this article at:

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[sdaddy]

Cynthia,

Do you know what's going on with this Kyl amendment at present? I caught the end of the Senate session today when leader Frist announced that the lobbying reform bill was being held up because of efforts to introduce a non-germane amendment. He said that a cloture vote was therefore being filed for Friday.

Was that in fact the Kyl amendment on internet gambling that Frist was referring to? If so, that's good news that Frist is trying to kill it.

 

[jetset]

The Law Journal report is interesting in that it indicates that wily old Kyl is trying his "coat tails" strategy again, and that Abramoff is his major leverage tactic this year. In that context the 180 degree whirl of DeLay to my mind shows what sort of person he is (and not in a flattering way)

Based on past history, Kyl is one to watch, because he knows the system inside out and is prepared to exploit it to the full to get his proposals through.

BTW, Managra - in my earlier post I was definitely not advocating that objectors wait for IGC to make a move (as I think I said at the time) Now is the time, I believe to influence political representatives before they start the wheeling and dealing on the Hill.

 

[jetset]

The WSJ has unwittingly provided online players with a great opportunity to (additionally to contacting politicians) express their feelings about a U.S. Internet gambling ban in a very influential and high profile publication.

Please take a moment to cast your vote and share your thoughts with the Wall Street Journal editors.

Link Removed ( Old/Invalid)

Get your voice heard - vote today. Please pass this message onto your contacts.

Voting on the site today on the question "Should Internet gambling be banned" is Yes: 998 (21 percent) and No: 3742 (79 percent)

 

[chuchu59]

Guys here is WHY legislation didn't pass the last few times around and why it's far more likely to be approved this time.

Please read this article from today's Wall Street Journal

Old / Expired Link

Evein if YOU dont see legislation as a possibilty, we really DO need to work together to do everything we can to ensure this thing doesnt make it into law. Don't just assume everything will fall into place on it's own. Please be active.

Is this an omen or a coincidence? I clicked the link and voted and when I viewed the results, there were 4777 votes casted with a majority of 79% voting nay.

 

[Pinababy69]

there were 4777 votes casted

And it's Bill 4777 right? Funky coincidence, lol.

 

[jetset]

I've just checked on Link Removed ( Old/Invalid) and it's currently as follows:

Should Internet gambling be banned?

Yes:1027 (20 percent)

No: 4237 (80 percent)