Online Gambling: Back by Popular Demand?

Casinos are good for jobs, so said the signs and t-shirts worn by a crowd that gathered outside the State House the other day, while legislators indoors discussed the opening of three casinos in Massachusetts.

"Casinos Now, Jobs Now" was the slogan called by union members and other supporters.

Expanded gambling as a boost for the economy is the economic logic behind the supporters of new casinos. Will it work? Will it also work for online casinos? And most interestingly, will it draw the masses out to the streets in Boston, Massachusetts, and the rest of the United States for the cause when the UIGEA and the online gambling ban are up for discussion?

Pro-Gambling Momentum

Though the UIGEA took another step into Americans' daily reality on June 1, there are other proposed federal legislations currently on the table, including a bill that would legalize poker and games of skill (New Jersey), a bill that targets the IRS code to legalize and tax various forms of online gambling, and legalizing in-state online gambling (California and New Jersey).

Nevada is often regarded as the first state to set the tone, or the one with the greatest effect, should it decide online gambling, side by side with its land-based casino business, is a good idea.

But we suggest you look on the streets, around you, and in the mirror, and see the power that regular players have - Americans and citizens of the Web.