Is The Washington Witch Hunt Over?

"Thank you Congress for using your common sense and protecting the few freedoms that we have left."  (online reaction after Kyl Bill voted down)

That was the response of most Internet fans after the US House of Representatives failed to pass the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act (IGPA).  The Kyl Bill came before the House July 17 and although it was defeated, it was not trounced, beaten into submission or any other sports metaphor you'd care to use.

In fact, most members supported the bill:  245 to 159.  The reason it failed was that a two-thirds majority was needed for the IGPA to pass.  It missed by 25 votes.  That is what you call a squeaker.

The Numbers Don't Add Up

Yet, an online ballot by iGlobalMedia revealed 91% of respondents do NOT want controls on Internet gambling.  An MSNBC online survey showed that 86% believe that a ban on Internet gambling can't even be enforced.  The unanswered question is:  why are your representatives so out of touch with what YOU want?

This unpopular bill is expected to return to the floor for another vote... and this time, only a simple majority will be needed for passage.

How We Got Into This Mess

In case you've forgotten, the IGPA targets sites like online casinos, sports betting and lottery ticket sales.  It would impose penalties only on the operators of those services, not the users.  Online businesses based in the US would face fines up to $20,000 and four years in jail.  For those entrepreneurs who operate their sites outside of US borders, as most do, the penalties and the law itself would be unenforceable.

Yes, the bill does politely ask ISPs, or Internet Service Providers, to block gaming sites.  But it doesn't require them to do so.  The bill is a lace curtain of loop holes and carve-outs for special interest groups.  Because of this, President Bill Clinton may be asked by the Justice Department to veto it.

Let Common Sense Prevail

If you want to hear the voices of logic on this matter, you have to go to the "street"... the Cyber Central Park of common sense.  Here are a few of those voices, gleaned from various online feedback pages:

• "Someone in Washington has finally got a clue and is seeing dollar signs everywhere.  The remedy of course is to give Uncle Sam his little piece of the pie.  Then watch how this debate about deplorable activities invading our homes evaporates.  You and I both know the debate is about dollars not morals because as I browse the web, the opportunity for perversion exists everywhere."  (JoAnne Baker, Nurse, MA)
• "There are places on the Internet I don't want my children to see.  Let me be responsible for my family.  I don't even gamble, but I don't want anyone telling me I can't.  Why should Vegas have the monopoly?"  (Chuck, Consultant, Indiana)
• "Why would a country that lets almost anyone have a gun ban gambling?"  (Dave, Web designer, UK)
• "If someone's actions, opinions or lifestyle do not negatively affect you, leave them alone.  If you want to save someone's soul, go work in a soup kitchen, counsel drug addicts, or donate time to Habitat For Humanity.  Do not limit my choices."  (Guy L., FL)
• "I'm not a drinker, smoker or gambler yet I will support with all my ability the rights of my fellow citizens to freely participate in these activities."  (Gene S., Management consultant)

It's time for you to speak out.  You can connect to your representative by calling 202-225-3121.


Reprinted with permission from The iGlobal Media News.

You can read more articles about this issue and about online casinos in general in The iGlobal Media News by clicking here:  www.iglobalmedia.com/news/index.html.  This is the only e-zine to focus on Internet casino marketing.  Also, please visit www.iglobalmedia.com to learn about their high-commission affiliate programs.