| | |  | Last Updated: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |  | | | Editorial Addresses Online Gambling
- Tuesday, 20 Feb 2007
The Los Angeles Times has published an editorial on its op/ed pages last week that addressed online gambling and the United States approach, which, it claims, is both economically unwise and morally pretentious. “Are We All Gambling Criminals?” asks the title of the editorial, loudly and provocatively taking a stand on the other side of the government policy stand. In the bottom line, the piece suggests raising tax revenue from sports betting would be a more profitable and morally correct policy with regard to online gambling.
In the background of the publication of the editorial is the Superbowl. Millions of Americans have placed bets on the outcome of the game, spending an estimated sum of $5 billion. Whoever did so and lives outside Nevada, has practically (and cynically, the newspaper implies) broken the law. Outlawing a practice that is accepted all around the free world – online gambling and betting – will only play to the hands of criminal elements. The US policy, which was launched in October 2006 with the signing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by President Bush has been followed with arrests, detentions and subpoenas against online gambling companies, investment banks and others.
The government is spending resources on prosecuting morality, the editorial continues, instead of allocating the budget and personnel to more urgent matters, such as gang violence and counterterrorism measures. It certainly hurts online gambling fans, who, instead of enjoying government protection, are being driven into the hands of criminal element who operate without regulation and supervision.
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