Last year, Congress enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which prevents U.S. banks and credit card companies from processing payments to online gambling businesses outside the country.
Now Focus on the Family and seven other pro-family organizations are urging lawmakers to guard the integrity of the act, which has come under fire from all sides.
Three concerns were highlighted in a letter that was sent to all members of the House and Senate on Wednesday: congressional support for strong UIGEA regulations from the Treasury Department; support of UIGEA's integrity and opposition to contrary legislation; and congressional support.
The global online gambling market is estimated to be worth $15.5 billion. According to reports, about half of those gamblers are based in the U.S.
"There are well over 800 commercial and tribal casinos, alongside 42 state lotteries saturating our nation's landscape," said Chad Hills, analyst for gambling research and policy for Focus on the Family Action. "The last thing we need is foreign or domestic online casinos invading our homes."
Several Democratic bills threaten the integrity of UIGEA: Rep. Barney Frank's H.R. 2046, which would provide online casinos with exemptions from federal and state laws; Rep. Robert Wexler's H.R. 2610, which exempts poker and "games of skill" from UIGEA; and Rep. Jim McDermott's H.R. 2607, which licenses and taxes Internet casinos.
"When congressmen promote the interests and profits of individuals at the expense of families and our national security, we've got a problem on our hands," Hills said. "People must be the common denominator in any decision."
Joining Focus on the Family Action in sending the letter were the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling; American Values; the Christian Coalition of America; the American Family Association; the Eagle Forum; the Family Research Council; and the American Association of Christian Schools.
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