OBAMA GOOD FOR ONLINE GAMBLING?
Respected international analyst thinks he may be
In the wake of Barack Obama's victory in the US Presidential elections this week, speculation on Internet gambling websites and message boards has been rife on whether this will mean a more sensible approach to the regulation of Internet gambling in the USA.
Whilst many of the opinions are based on personal views and political perspectives, one hard-nosed business assessment was published by the respected international analysts, brokers and business consultants Merrill Lynch, which encouraged gambling companies by saying that an Obama victory could well lead to more open markets in the US.
"We think it could ultimately pave the way for online gaming regulation rather than prohibition," the broker said, highlighting Democratic moves by Congressman Barney Frank to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, introduced in October 2006 to prohibit the transfer of funds from financial institutions to internet gambling firms.
"There have been separate acts to legalise internet gambling as well as those that particularly target poker and other games of skill. We think that with a Democrat president and Democrat-dominated Congress, such legislation would likely have a greater chance of being passed through."
I think Obama will roll back alot of Bush's crap.
Wouldn't count your could/maybe/possibly- rhetoric unless he does another 180--
They pointed to remarks Obama made in May 2003 when then Illinois Gov. Rod Blogojevich said he would reject calls to expand gambling as a way to make up for a budget deficit.
"I think it's a good decision. It is irresponsible to use gambling as our principle source of revenue," Obama said in May 2003 Chicago Defender article. "I think the moral and social cost of gambling, particularly in low-income communities could be devastating."
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According to the Review-Journal article, in 2003, while still in the Illinois Senate, Obama was quoted as saying that he believed the "moral and social cost of gambling" was potentially "devastating" and that using gaming as a source of revenue or for economic development was "irresponsible."
Similarly, in a Las Vegas Sun article written in advance of the Nevada Democratic primary, the author claimed a review of Obama's record shows that he
"worries that the Internet is 'a Wild West of illegal activity.'"
I will give Barney some credit where it is due--he has been biggest advocate against gambling bill.