Chris Christie goes ahead with gambling

[JustRalph]

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7970130/new-jersey-defy-federal-law-move-forward-sports-betting

Interesting. A former U.S. Attorney dares the Justice Dept to stop him from allowing the Citizens of NJ to bet on sports?

I notice he specifically mentioned horse racing interests

[usedtolovetvg]

Here's the greatest line ever by the governor, Christie said 50 percent of the revenue generated by sports betting would go toward treatment programs for compulsive gamblers. What he didn't mention was the other 50% was going toward treatment programs for obese NJ governors.

[badcompany]

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7970130/new-jersey-defy-federal-law-move-forward-sports-betting

Interesting. A former U.S. Attorney dares the Justice Dept to stop him from allowing the Citizens of NJ to bet on sports?

I notice he specifically mentioned horse racing interests
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- New Jersey will defy a federal ban and let people bet on the outcomes of football, basketball and other games this fall, Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference highlighting efforts to reinvigorate Atlantic City, Christie said the regulations his administration will issue next week make no attempt to overturn a 1992 federal law that limits sports betting to four states.

_________

They're grasping at straws if they think sportsbetting is gonna save AC.

http://www.wagerminds.com/blog/casinos/nevada-casinos-generate-22-billion-in-revenue-and-lose-4-billion-in-2011-3431/Gaming Revenue

The $10 billion in gaming revenue breaks down as follows:
•Pit revenue (includes Keno and Bingo) – $3.1 billion
•Coin operated devices – $6.6 billion
•Poker and pan – $162 million
•Race book – $73 million
•Sports pool – $141 million

Sports book revenue, which came in at $141 million, is just 1.4% of all Nevada gaming casino revenues.

[TBred17Roan]

I like the idea. As a resident of New Jersey unable to sign up for any other legal wagering service I'm going to defy NJ and get me an IdaBet account and let NJ try to stop me. Wait! What are you big guys doing here? What are you doing with those clubs? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[JustRalph]

Here's the greatest line ever by the governor, Christie said 50 percent of the revenue generated by sports betting would go toward treatment programs for compulsive gamblers. What he didn't mention was the other 50% was going toward treatment programs for obese NJ governors.

you're a laugh a minute............. :ThmbDown:

[slew101]

I think NJ deserves great credit for trying, but the idea that NJ will have legal sports betting in the fall is comical.

The feds will shut this down in a heartbeat. Just like they did in Delaware.

NJ's only hope, possibly, is to get the sports lottery games like Delaware.

[Versajoe]

I wonder if Christie thinks that this will make Obama unpopular right around election time if the Feds try to stop it.

[Canarsie]

Here's the greatest line ever by the governor, Christie said 50 percent of the revenue generated by sports betting would go toward treatment programs for compulsive gamblers. What he didn't mention was the other 50% was going toward treatment programs for obese NJ governors.

This was totally uncalled for. As a resident of NJ I'm offended by this regardless of party.

Lots of people try to quit smoking and lose weight and its a long arduous process. Sometimes there are other reasons why they can't be successful.

[horses4courses]

This move is to be applauded, even though it probably won't succeed.
The Feds won't let it happen.

However, an even bigger opponent will be showing their teeth, too.
Organized crime in NJ will be more than a little put out if this were to come about. In this instance, they have the law to back them up.
Imagine that....... ;)

[usedtolovetvg]

This was totally uncalled for. As a resident of NJ I'm offended by this regardless of party.

Lots of people try to quit smoking and lose weight and its a long arduous process. Sometimes there are other reasons why they can't be successful.

The point I was making was that his statement stating that 50% of the money generated would go to compulsive gambler programs. That is ludicrous! Where does he think the bulk of the money will be coming from. That makes absolutely no sense. As for my failed attempt at humor, anyone that is offended, I do apologize. It was just a joke, and according to you, a bad one. You must really hate Bill Maher.

[JustRalph]

This move is to be applauded, even though it probably won't succeed.
The Feds won't let it happen.

However, an even bigger opponent will be showing their teeth, too.
Organized crime in NJ will be more than a little put out if this were to come about. In this instance, they have the law to back them up.
Imagine that....... ;)

Organized crime? You don't really think they have that in NJ do you?

[horses4courses]

Organized crime? You don't really think they have that in NJ do you?

I have absolutely no proof.
There I go, making assumptions again :rolleyes:

[bks]

I guess this means that Christie will not be Romney's VP choice.

I think NJ deserves great credit for trying, but the idea that NJ will have legal sports betting in the fall is comical.

The feds will shut this down in a heartbeat. Just like they did in Delaware.

NJ's only hope, possibly, is to get the sports lottery games like Delaware.

Why do you think that, slew? From my understanding, the Governor's blessing is contingent on the successful challenging of the federal law by the NJ attorney general. NJ recently had a referendum on the subject that passed about 2-1. The legislature will be behind it as well.

I don't think they wouldn't be doing this if they thought it had no chance. Not saying it's a slam dunk, though.

I'd like to see the legal arguments the state is going to make to the feds.

[bks]

Now that I've actually read the article, my understanding is changed from earlier in the year. It seems they're going forward with the expectation that the feds will challenge first, and then NJ will win in court.

Should be interesting.

[Robert Goren]

Now that I've actually read the article, my understanding is changed from earlier in the year. It seems they're going forward with the expectation that the feds will challenge first, and then NJ will win in court.

Should be interesting.That the way I read it too. I think it is highly unlikely that NJ can actually win in court. Now both Romney and Obama will get questions on it. I can't see either of them supporting Christie on this issue. There will also be issues with the NFL. In the past they have resolute in stating that they will not have team playing a state has legal gambling on their games. That will be the really interesting part of this. They would have to move two teams if they stick to their guns and if NJ actually wins its court battle.
The idea that 50% of the revenues would go to fight gambling addiction is with a doubt the most ridiculous thing to come out the mouth of a politician in sometime. Anybody that believes that probably owns several bridges.

[NJ Stinks]

My favorite part of the story is that the people in my state voted 2-1 in favor of sports betting. Makes me proud to call New Jersey home. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[TEJAS KIDD]

California is trying the same thing.
SB 1390 left a Senate Committee with a unaminous vote.

[JustRalph]

My favorite part of the story is that the people in my state voted 2-1 in favor of sports betting. Makes me proud to call New Jersey home. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

A few years ago they voted for Corzine the Crook............ how's that make you feel?

[slew101]

That was their original plan, to challenge the ban in court. Now, they are just skipping the challenge of the federal ban and will start accepting wagers in the fall.

The reason they have no shot here is the recent Delaware case. Delaware was one of 4 states that were grandfathered in that can allow sports betting, so they didn't even have to challenge the federal ban. Delaware did everything right, won all the legal arguments, and the Feds still shut them down from allowing individual betting. They did allow the sports lottery, which requires bettors to pick at least 3 games on a card.

The feds have plenty of cards to shut this down without even going to court. My guess is they'll threaten the casinos with legal action if anyone accepts a bet. They can threaten Christie by holding back federal funds, and if all that fails, they just find a judge to shut it down.

There's already casino owners saying nobody wants to be the first one to take a bet and risk getting into trouble.

I didn't even think of the Super Bowl in 2014, which the NFL can threaten to pull from the state as well.

[QUOTE=bks]Why do you think that, slew? From my understanding, the Governor's blessing is contingent on the successful challenging of the federal law by the NJ attorney general. NJ recently had a referendum on the subject that passed about 2-1. The legislature will be behind it as well.

[Unome]

I didn't even think of the Super Bowl in 2014, which the NFL can threaten to pull from the state as well.


NCAA wouldn't allow tournament games in Oregon till they dropped sportsbetting which the state gave into, NJ can kiss any NCAA tournament games good bye.

[GARY Z]

the speedometer went from hate to love

I'm thinking a possible casino at CLUB MED?

are you listenting Mr. Gural??

:jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:

[Canarsie]

Organized crime? You don't really think they have that in NJ do you?

13 Alleged Mob Members Arrested for Running N.J. Online Gambling Ring

http://www.loansafe.org/13-alleged-mob-members-arrested-for-running-n-j-online-gambling-ring

[Canarsie]

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- New Jersey will defy a federal ban and let people bet on the outcomes of football, basketball and other games this fall, Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference highlighting efforts to reinvigorate Atlantic City, Christie said the regulations his administration will issue next week make no attempt to overturn a 1992 federal law that limits sports betting to four states.

_________

They're grasping at straws if they think sportsbetting is gonna save AC.

http://www.wagerminds.com/blog/casinos/nevada-casinos-generate-22-billion-in-revenue-and-lose-4-billion-in-2011-3431/Gaming Revenue

The $10 billion in gaming revenue breaks down as follows:
•Pit revenue (includes Keno and Bingo) – $3.1 billion
•Coin operated devices – $6.6 billion
•Poker and pan – $162 million
•Race book – $73 million
•Sports pool – $141 million

Sports book revenue, which came in at $141 million, is just 1.4% of all Nevada gaming casino revenues.

Maybe Nevada but certainly not NJ

Dubbed “Operation Heat,” that investigation focused on an Internet betting ring with a base in Costa Rica that authorities alleged generated $2.2 billionin bets over a 16-month period


This is from an operation that is mid Atlantic based. The classic line is "if you don't know a bookie in NJ then you have no friends".

[Canarsie]

The point I was making was that his statement stating that 50% of the money generated would go to compulsive gambler programs. That is ludicrous! Where does he think the bulk of the money will be coming from. That makes absolutely no sense. As for my failed attempt at humor, anyone that is offended, I do apologize. It was just a joke, and according to you, a bad one. You must really hate Bill Maher.

Everyone knows that's not going to happen the same deal as the lottery. Georgia had a great program where if you maintained a 'B" average in high school college tuition was free if you chose to stay in state. Recently they had to drop part of that because of budget constraints.


I just don't think its funny to joke about someones weight without knowing the facts. Rex Ryan underwent two stomach operations and he looks great. That would be pretty hard for a politician to do it would almost be equivilent of enrolling in AA.

Hate is a heavy word I hardly use it. I like commentators from both sides of the fence as long as their not wishy washy. Only saw Maher once and turned it off immediately.

One thing about Christie is that he stands his ground even when he's wrong. That doesn't make good presidential material but as a Governor he has done a decent job in my state. There is no doubt in my mind that he got together with Lautenberg and Menendez before taking this stand. This was a very wise move considering that there's an election for president in the fall.

[onefast99]

the speedometer went from hate to love

I'm thinking a possible casino at CLUB MED?

are you listenting Mr. Gural??

:jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:
You got it. Once Atlantic City is done trying to save itself from itself the constitution will be amended to allow casinos outside of A/C. Something that should have been done years ago.

[Valuist]

Here's the greatest line ever by the governor, Christie said 50 percent of the revenue generated by sports betting would go toward treatment programs for compulsive gamblers. What he didn't mention was the other 50% was going toward treatment programs for obese NJ governors.

Maybe some of the money should go to throw a former NJ governor (Jon Corzine) in jail.

[Kevroc]

Hate is a heavy word I hardly use it. I like commentators from both sides of the fence as long as their not wishy washy. Only saw Maher once and turned it off immediately.



Amen.

I do not enjoy speaking negatively about people but, that man is an unfunny and despicable person. When his time comes, I hope he goes screaming.

[Canarsie]

That the way I read it too. I think it is highly unlikely that NJ can actually win in court. Now both Romney and Obama will get questions on it. I can't see either of them supporting Christie on this issue. There will also be issues with the NFL. In the past they have resolute in stating that they will not have team playing a state has legal gambling on their games. That will be the really interesting part of this. They would have to move two teams if they stick to their guns and if NJ actually wins its court battle.
The idea that 50% of the revenues would go to fight gambling addiction is with a doubt the most ridiculous thing to come out the mouth of a politician in sometime. Anybody that believes that probably owns several bridges.

Here we go again with this out of this world comment. They wouldn't even move the Super Bowl if it comes to fruition which I doubt. How would the NFL reimburse the two teams that spent 1.6 billion on the stadium? How about everyone who owns a PSL suing the living daylights out of them.

Even if the NFL wanted to move there is only one market that might be attractive to them and its Los Angeles. The days of expansion is almost all sports has come to a close in the continental United States. Teams have moved in the NBA and NHL during the past decade. Bad baseball teams don't draw but they get subsidized and make a nice profit every year. Jacksonville in the NFL is a team ready to move.

The NFL always states they are against gambling but without it their popularity would plummet. Do you really think those injury reports are for fantasy league players? They know how much money is bet just on the Super Bowl which equates to HIGHEST ratings.

Plus if they ever moved just imagine how easy both sides of the political fench to remove their antitrust exemption. Heck the silliness even started when the lockout was going on.

Ranking Democrat Seeks to Remove NFL Antitrust Exemption Over Lockout


http://www.bizoffootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=803:ranking-democrat-seeks-to-remove-nfl-antitrust-exemption-over-lockout&catid=54:nfl-labor-news&Itemid=79


Plus if gambling on football was to become legal in NJ how many states would follow suit almost immediately. It would generate additional revenues from an untapped source the majority of taxpayers would love something like this.

I hope it becomes reality just to see what the NFL does. Probably will get the same reaction as jaywalking on a NYC street from a police officer.

[Robert Goren]

For the record the Conyers's bill like most bills introduced by a minority congressman went nowhere fast. What little chance it had, if any, ended when the NFL lockout ended.
I do not know what the NFL will actually do, only what they say. They do not have history of bluffing. They are ardent that LA put up a good hunk money for a stadium there. LA has refused, so no team there. I don't think it matters any way because the feds will shut it down as soon as it opens anyway. It is against federal law and even the the federal law is struck down by the courts, a new one would passed in record time. You would not have take off your shoes to count the number of congressman and senators who think that allowing betting on the NFL outside of Nevada is the way to go.
Again for the record, I would like to see betting on the NFL, etc, allowed outside of Nevada, but I just don't see it happening.

[thespaah]

Here's the rub...
Nevada has sports betting on single game outcomes.
The rest of us either bet through international on line gaming companies or illegal book making operations.
The bottom line here is if the dopes on Capitol Hill could figure out a way to regulate and of course TAX the wagers and then the winnings of every sports bet, it would be legal. Of course that is an opinion.
The other head scratcher is the fact that wagering on horse racing across state lines and over the internet is legal in states that permit wagering.
Confusing? Yeah!
My thinking is if we can wager on horse racing, why then not other sports.
What's the difference.
At the end of the day though, there are many groups who's lobbying( pestering) of politicians will prevent sports betting on single game outcomes across state lines.
Now, the question here is whether NJ can win a court challenge to the federal rule.

[horses4courses]

My thinking is if we can wager on horse racing, why then not other sports.
What's the difference.

The official "for the record" stance on sports wagering in this country is that it taints the game. That moral argument holds sway in Washington.
It is not likely to change in our lifetime.

[Cardus]

The point I was making was that his statement stating that 50% of the money generated would go to compulsive gambler programs. That is ludicrous! Where does he think the bulk of the money will be coming from. That makes absolutely no sense. As for my failed attempt at humor, anyone that is offended, I do apologize. It was just a joke, and according to you, a bad one. You must really hate Bill Maher.

I liked your joke, yet I despise Bill Maher.

[usedtolovetvg]

I liked your joke, yet I despise Bill Maher.

Thanks. For those that don't know, Bill Maher is an NJ resident who often makes cutting jokes at Governor Christie's expense and with, shall we say, quite a descriptive flair. I like him, btw. But, then again, I like(d) Mort Sahl, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Family Guy, & South Park.

[thespaah]

The official "for the record" stance on sports wagering in this country is that it taints the game. That moral argument holds sway in Washington.
It is not likely to change in our lifetime.
Which we both know is ,pardon the pun, HORSECRAP.
There has been betting on sports since sports were invented. .
My canned response to the anti wagering morals police is "yeah ok then how come the Brits have betting shops on every street corner with odds on everything including whether or not two cock roaches can make it across Piccadilly Circus without being crushed by a vehicle".
The Super Bowl is the single most wagered event in the world. The underground betting market dwarfs the legal handle.
I just do not buy the argument.

[mannyberrios]

Which we both know is ,pardon the pun, HORSECRAP.
There has been betting on sports since sports were invented. .
My canned response to the anti wagering morals police is "yeah ok then how come the Brits have betting shops on every street corner with odds on everything including whether or not two cock roaches can make it across Piccadilly Circus without being crushed by a vehicle".
The Super Bowl is the single most wagered event in the world. The underground betting market dwarfs the legal handle.
I just do not buy the argument.And it's legal in Las Vegas

[usedtolovetvg]

Which we both know is ,pardon the pun, HORSECRAP.
There has been betting on sports since sports were invented. .
My canned response to the anti wagering morals police is "yeah ok then how come the Brits have betting shops on every street corner with odds on everything including whether or not two cock roaches can make it across Piccadilly Circus without being crushed by a vehicle".
The Super Bowl is the single most wagered event in the world. The underground betting market dwarfs the legal handle.
I just do not buy the argument.

This is not the UK where abortion is legal and gay partners enjoy the same rights as straight ones. Have you ever run that argument by a Tea Party Member?

[horses4courses]

Which we both know is ,pardon the pun, HORSECRAP.
There has been betting on sports since sports were invented. .
My canned response to the anti wagering morals police is "yeah ok then how come the Brits have betting shops on every street corner with odds on everything including whether or not two cock roaches can make it across Piccadilly Circus without being crushed by a vehicle".
The Super Bowl is the single most wagered event in the world. The underground betting market dwarfs the legal handle.
I just do not buy the argument.

I fully agree.
The situation is similar to alcohol prohibition in the 1920s.
Unfortunately, the demand for sports betting is not as high as it is for booze.
It is, also, an issue that most politicians seek to avoid. Best left well alone.

[JustRalph]

This is not the UK where abortion is legal and gay partners enjoy the same rights as straight ones. Have you ever run that argument by a Tea Party Member?

Where in the hell do you get that tea party members would be against anything he posted. Generalize much?

[usedtolovetvg]

Where in the hell do you get that tea party members would be against anything he posted. Generalize much?

I thought the Tea Party is very much against gambling. But, I guess I'm wrong.

[thespaah]

This is not the UK where abortion is legal and gay partners enjoy the same rights as straight ones. Have you ever run that argument by a Tea Party Member?
Ok..Let's eschew the political rhetoric.
Now, unjerk your knee and read my post.
I was simply making a comparison.
If you think this an argument, you're wrong.
I am not here to discuss politics or argue with you.
I made a statement of fact.
If you want an argument turn about and look at the wall. You'll not get it here.
I made my point. If you wish to discuss that , let's have at it. Otherwise...

[thespaah]

I thought the Tea Party is very much against gambling. But, I guess I'm wrong.
I don't think the Tea Party takes a position on wagering.
Again, no politics please.

[usedtolovetvg]

I don't think the Tea Party takes a position on wagering.
Again, no politics please.

Sorry but my point was there are too many anti-gambling factions here in the United States. I wasn't being political but there are certain parties whose platform is very much against all forms of gambling. The UK is much more open-minded, as are many countries in this world. Same reason on-line poker is having such a tough time. I swear I wasn't being argumentative. Getting anything past these groups is very tough. Considering this is the land of the free, there is a helluva a lot of things we can't do, gambling on sports is just one of them.

[horses4courses]

Sorry but my point was there are too many anti-gambling factions here in the United States. I wasn't being political but there are certain parties whose platform is very much against all forms of gambling. The UK is much more open-minded, as are many countries in this world. Same reason on-line poker is having such a tough time. I swear I wasn't being argumentative. Getting anything past these groups is very tough. Considering this is the land of the free, there is a helluva a lot of things we can't do, gambling on sports is just one of them.

It's difficult to draw a line between the US political parties with regard to gambling. Certainly, the religious right is the most vocal in opposing it, but politicians (regardless of party affiliation) have one major interest - their own survival.
A pro-gambling stance, especially where sports wagering is concerned, is not a career builder for US politicians.

[PaceAdvantage]

Sorry but my point was there are too many anti-gambling factions here in the United States. I wasn't being political but there are certain parties whose platform is very much against all forms of gambling. The UK is much more open-minded, as are many countries in this world. Same reason on-line poker is having such a tough time. I swear I wasn't being argumentative. Getting anything past these groups is very tough. Considering this is the land of the free, there is a helluva a lot of things we can't do, gambling on sports is just one of them.Look. Let me easily solve whatever political issues you may have.

DEMOCRATS were COMPLETELY IN CHARGE from January 2009 until January 2011 (I hope I have my dates correct). They controlled the White House and both houses of Congress.

Allow me to ask you...where were the relaxed gambling rules? Where was the legislation that allowed gambling to flourish nationwide?

You blaming the Tea Party or Republicans for the reason why there are many "anti-gambling" factions in the US and thus not widespread gambling options is laughable in the face of these facts.

If you're gonna blame the right, it's obvious the left is no bargain either when it comes to gambling.

How long did it take to get slots at Aqueduct? How come there are not table games in the NY Metro Area? NY State has been a BLUE STATE for how long? Let me answer that for you...NY has been blue FOREVER...

Again, the facts completely contradict your views.

[thespaah]

It's difficult to draw a line between the US political parties with regard to gambling. Certainly, the religious right is the most vocal in opposing it, but politicians (regardless of party affiliation) have one major interest - their own survival.
A pro-gambling stance, especially where sports wagering is concerned, is not a career builder for US politicians.
ANd THAT is the problem. Instead of statesmen, we have politicians in office who are more concerned with their political well being than with their constituents or their nation.

[PaceAdvantage]

In fact, one Senior Senator from Nevada probably has a LOT to do with any type of restrictions on gambling, because he represents a MAJOR PLAYER that does NOT wish to see gambling expanded beyond where it is now...of course I'm talking about Harry Reid (DEMOCRAT) and the Las Vegas casino lobby...

[horses4courses]

ANd THAT is the problem. Instead of statesmen, we have politicians in office who are more concerned with their political well being than with their constituents or their nation.

Believe me, that problem is universal.

[usedtolovetvg]

Look. Let me easily solve whatever political issues you may have.

DEMOCRATS were COMPLETELY IN CHARGE from January 2009 until January 2011 (I hope I have my dates correct). They controlled the White House and both houses of Congress.

Allow me to ask you...where were the relaxed gambling rules? Where was the legislation that allowed gambling to flourish nationwide?

You blaming the Tea Party or Republicans for the reason why there are many "anti-gambling" factions in the US and thus not widespread gambling options is laughable in the face of these facts.

If you're gonna blame the right, it's obvious the left is no bargain either when it comes to gambling.

How long did it take to get slots at Aqueduct? How come there are not table games in the NY Metro Area? NY State has been a BLUE STATE for how long? Let me answer that for you...NY has been blue FOREVER...

Again, the facts completely contradict your views.

I blame all politicians... The original anti-internet bill was railroaded in on the back of an anti-terrorist bill during the Bush administration.The democrats are slow moving, gutless p*****s who talk a good game. It seems, almost every other country supports individual freedoms much more than 'the land of the free' does. Good luck getting anything progressive happening anytime soon, that includes both sports betting and my much loved online poker. And, yes I do think it is a tougher sell with a Republican House but unlikely no matter who is in control.

[PaceAdvantage]

I blame all politicians... The original anti-internet bill was railroaded in on the back of an anti-terrorist bill during the Bush administration.The democrats are slow moving, gutless p*****s who talk a good game. It seems, almost every other country supports individual freedoms much more than 'the land of the free' does. Good luck getting anything progressive happening anytime soon, that includes both sports betting and my much loved online poker. And, yes I do think it is a tougher sell with a Republican House but unlikely no matter who is in control.No no no no...see...you're back tracking. You singled out the "Tea Party" and then later, you didn't name them, but you blamed Republicans...

Now I point out to you Blue States that have limited gambling (NY for one) and the Democrats who controlled ALL OF DC for TWO YEARS, and nothing happened, and now you change your tune to "all politicians..."

Sorry man...that won't cut it...

[usedtolovetvg]

No no no no...see...you're back tracking. You singled out the "Tea Party" and then later, you didn't name them, but you blamed Republicans...

Now I point out to you Blue States that have limited gambling (NY for one) and the Democrats who controlled ALL OF DC for TWO YEARS, and nothing happened, and now you change your tune to "all politicians..."

Sorry man...that won't cut it...

I never said the Dems were any good. I said that the Tea Party would never pass it. I don't think they would. Show me where I supported the Dems. I'm not back tracking. I think a whole lot of other countries have a greater respect for personal freedoms. For the record, I am neither Democrat nor Republican. I belong to the Libertine Party

[thaskalos]

Believe me, that problem is universal.

Sports betting is allowed throughout the civilized world.

In this country, even pornography is portrayed as more "legitimate" than gambling.

[PaceAdvantage]

I never said the Dems were any good. I said that the Tea Party would never pass it. I don't think they would. Show me where I supported the Dems. I'm not back tracking. I think a whole lot of other countries have a greater respect for personal freedoms. For the record, I am neither Democrat nor Republican. I belong to the Libertine PartyWhat you did was blame one side, initially. I never said you supported anyone. I took your initial post at face value and responded in kind.

[JustRalph]

Sports betting is allowed throughout the civilized world.

In this country, even pornography is portrayed as more "legitimate" than gambling.

I would bet on porn. But then again, i know how it ends in just about every case

[Robert Goren]

Look. Let me easily solve whatever political issues you may have.

DEMOCRATS were COMPLETELY IN CHARGE from January 2009 until January 2011 (I hope I have my dates correct). They controlled the White House and both houses of Congress.

Allow me to ask you...where were the relaxed gambling rules? Where was the legislation that allowed gambling to flourish nationwide?

You blaming the Tea Party or Republicans for the reason why there are many "anti-gambling" factions in the US and thus not widespread gambling options is laughable in the face of these facts.

If you're gonna blame the right, it's obvious the left is no bargain either when it comes to gambling.

How long did it take to get slots at Aqueduct? How come there are not table games in the NY Metro Area? NY State has been a BLUE STATE for how long? Let me answer that for you...NY has been blue FOREVER...

Again, the facts completely contradict your views. That is a misnomer. You can't do anything in the senate without 60 votes. The democrats only had 60 votes in the senate for about 6 months. The election of Scott Brown to Teddy Kennedy's old seat ended that 60 vote margin. You would be right in say the democrats did nothing during that 6 months. There are plenty of democrats who oppose any expansion of gambling including my senator, the retiring Sen Ben Nelson (D-Ne). Neither of the two people running to replace him are likely to have a substantially stance on gambling. Gambling is tied to politics if not strictly to party politics. Until gamblers make a politician's stance on gambling a priority when they vote, things are aren't likely to change.
In Nebraska we have a politically active group against gambling called "Nebraskans for the Good Life". They are in a lot ways just like the "Right to Life" organization. They endorse candidaites and lobby gambling issues. They also are able to raise a lot money when a gambling issue hits the ballots to defeat it and they are not afraid to use the courts to get their way either. I can't remember the last time they lost on something they opposed.

[horses4courses]

Sports betting is allowed throughout the civilized world.

In this country, even pornography is portrayed as more "legitimate" than gambling.

Agreed.
However, the problem I was referring to is that of politicians not representing constituents as they should. Their main interest becomes self-interest.
This problem is not confined to the US.

[usedtolovetvg]

Agreed.

This problem is not confined to the US.

Agreed. but I think it's worse here. This country produces the greediest and most self-serving politicians. Gambling is such a small blip on on any politicians screen. As RG points out the anti-gambling faction is much more vocal and motivated than those who want it. They bundle it up with the other moralistic issues.