Net gambling foes cry ‘terrorism’

[arcos]

Net gambling foes cry ‘terrorism’

Internet gambling foes have long argued that its efficiency poses an unacceptable threat to youth and gambling addicts – a position best articulated in Sen. Jon Kyl’s memorable catch-phrase, “Click the mouse, lose the house.” But in 2004, congressional opponents summoned up a new villain – terrorism.

Rep. Michael Oxley, R-Ohio, played the terror card during hearings in September. Online betting, he said, has created “a dangerous loophole in our anti-terror finance and anti-money-laundering machines that can easily be exploited.”

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In the meantime, the United States’ staunchest ally in the war on terror, Great Britain, continues to move ahead with plans to become “the hub of the global gambling industry” as part of an update of what the government says are antiquated gambling laws.

U.S. efforts to deter Net betting also took a hit from the World Trade Organization. The WTO in November upheld a complaint by Antigua stating that United States attacking online gambling to proect its legal gambling industry. The U.S. Trade Office called the decision "deeply flawed" and said it would appeal.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6687972/

Even though this is 3 days old, I didn't see it posted elsewhere...