New bill targets internet gambling
The Governor of Massachusetts is seeking to crack down on internet gambling with the creation of a new casinos bill designed to clarify the laws on gaming in the US state.
The document gives the go ahead to three new resort casinos in Massachusetts but it also contains proposals to make it illegal for state residents to gamble online.
Currently US law seeks to prohibit online gambling by prosecuting the operators of online gaming sites. But Governor Deval Patrick wants to go further and punish the gamblers as well.
Jail terms of up to two years and $25,000 fines have been proposed for any Massachusetts resident found to be placing bets online or over the telephone.
But representative Barney Frank, a fellow Democrat, has criticised the governor’s proposals, insisting internet gambling should be licensed and regulated in the same way as casino gambling.
“I believe in personal liberty,” he said. “Adults should be able to do what they want. I wish my fellow liberals would not be so inconsistent on this issue.”
Meanwhile EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson has urged the United States to change its laws on internet gambling, insisting they discriminate against European operators by preventing them from offering their services to US consumers.