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MA Proposes Two Year Jail Term for Online Gambling

Posted by Zonk on from the little-harsh-for-some-blackjack dept.

tessaiga writes "The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is trying to sneak a provision to criminalize online gambling. The bill, if passed, would make online gambling punishable by up to 2 years in prison and $25k in fines. Ironically, the provision is buried deep within a bill to allow the construction of three new casinos in Massachusetts to bring more gambling revenue into the state. 'If you were cynical about it, you'd think that they're trying to set up a monopoly for the casinos,' said David G. Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Democratic House representative Barney Frank, who earlier this year introduced federal legislation to legalize regulated online gambling, also criticized the move as 'giving opponents an argument against him.' Indeed, groups such as the Poker Player's Alliance, who were previously supportive of Patrick's plans to open the new casinos, have already announced opposition to the bill because of the online gambling clause."

4 of 248 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Online gambling by Rob+T+Firefly · · Score: 1, Funny

    Disclaimer: I make my living through online gambling. It could be worse, you could be selling insurance.
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    Slashdot Burying Stories About Slashdot Media Owned
  2. No, no. It's to protect families! by Peter+Trepan · · Score: 4, Funny

    The bill, if passed, would make online gambling punishable by up to 2 years in prison and $25k in fines.

    Because without this measure, gambling fathers will put their families in incredible debt.

    --

    Step into a huge movement. Don't Tread In Me.

  3. Re:There is NO better way by Kintar1900 · · Score: 4, Funny

    If only god had been so forward thinking as to add an 11th commandment: Thou shalt not legislate morality.

    *hits his Jeopardy buzzer* What is Irony?

  4. Check his tells by Alzheimers · · Score: 3, Funny

    He's bluffing. Go all in!