Pro-gambling activists will head to Washington, D.C., in July to ask lawmakers to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) – a law that prohibits the transfer of funds from a financial institution to Internet gambling companies.
Gordon Price, owner of Casino Gambling Web, plans to be on the Hill.
"There are many in Congress who are not aware of the far-reaching effects of the UIGEA," he said, "and it is Casino Gambling Web's intention to empower them with knowledge."
Chad Hills, analyst for gambling research and policy for Focus on the Family Action, said what Price means by "far-reaching effects" is the $6 billion in revenue the gambling industry lost when UIGEA passed. Gambling interests immediately began to fight to regain access to America's homes.
"They are grasping at straws to survive," he said. "This is a time for families to celebrate, but it's also a time to be cautious and encourage Congress to uphold this law. Unfortunate things can happen when the wealthy and powerful gambling lobby enters D.C."
Already, several U.S. lawmakers have indicated those gambling lobbyists are making an impact, Hills said.
In April, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., sponsored a bill to legalize Internet gambling.
"The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans," Frank said, "and this interference should be undone."
The following week, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., sponsored H.R. 2140 – to "identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling."
The Poker Players Alliance, a lobbying group largely promoted by foreign casino operators, continues to hound Congress and write press releases, Hills said.
"The loudest and most desperate voices seem to be coming from abroad. It's coming from the United Kingdom, Costa Rica and the Caribbean islands, plus there's continuing pressure from the European Union on the World Trade Organization.
"Signs of desperation are very apparent," Hills said. "Hopefully, Congress will defend American families and not bend its ear to foreign special interests."
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Visit Focus on Social Issues for more information about the impact of gambling on the American family.
