[jjshabado]

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I'd just go with "Yes, you can get addicted. You can also get addicted to McDonalds - shall we ban that? You can also get addicted to Cigarettes - shall we ban that, or regulate it? You can also get addicted to alchohol - shall we ban that? Oh, we already tried, look how well that worked. You can also get addicted to betting on horses, shall we ban that? Oh, we specifically allowed it"

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1. As I've said before, this argument doesn't say anything about what should be done with Poker. At best it points out that there is an inconsistency in the law. No surprise. The argument needs to be based on WHY this bill doesn't address the problems with Poker, while creating whole new problems.

2. Everybody that compares this to Alcohol and Tobacco are missing a key point. The government isn't banning poker. They're focused on ONLINE poker.

If you try to buy alcohol over the internet there are laws that require you to be identified as older than X years, and that can be checked on delivery. Another difference is that Alcoholics can't jump online and get a quick drink to keep drinking when they run out. Problem gamblers can go broke, reload, and keep spending money. There's no cool down period in the system.

I don't know the status of buying cigarettes over the internet, but I imagine its the same, that you prove your identity when you receive the product. Online casinos have no way of enforcing age requirements, and I think most of us on here know of people underage gambling.


Anyway, I'm just saying that these arguments are flawed. Getting back to the OP, the arguments I'd use would be based on accepting that there should be some regulation for problem gambling, fraud, taxation, etc. but that it comes down to a matter of personal responsibility and personal choice (something Republicans love to talk about, but rarely allow). If you're an adult you should be able to spend your money how you want and if that includes playing poker then so be it.

The horse racing bit should definitely be brought up though. Its such blatant evidence in the hypocrisy of politicians.