On the politics of a catastrof%#k

[Gregatron]

One intelligent theme regarding the politics of the whole Neteller/end-of-internet-poker-as-we-know-it is that public opinion will certainly not benefit online poker. This has been expressed well by Colonel Kataffy in other threads. Basically, there will be no public outcry for supporting online poker. In fact, the anti-gambling moral crusader types most certainly have the advantage here. We are all familiar with the “poor little Johnny stole mommy’s credit card…” stories, and even ostensibly liberal NPR has run stories slamming online poker.

So, if a public outcry won’t preserve online poker, what will? Special interests... maybe.

I think the only political hope for online gambling will come from established B&M corporate gambling establishments. This is a huge frontier for them. Operations like Party and Stars have shown how profitable this business is. The big gambling operations in this country would have to be blind not to see it.

I’m not sure how likely it is, given the degree to which the Justice department seems willing to stir up [censored] over this. But I see a couple of interesting and potentially positive undercurrents here. One involved what I’ve already touched on – big companies seeing a very lucrative potential source of revenue. The other involves the WTO. I have not seen any speculation about what this whole situation regarding Neteller has with international trade issues. I’m not saying online poker will be back on its feet anytime soon, but these are things worth considering.

This is all, of course, highly speculative. And the new landscape will probably take years to develop. OF course, that is largely what the zoo is for: speculation. I have long salivated at the idea of a golden age of online poker, where Party at its peak would be dwarfed by Harrah’s online, and the fish would jump right on the boat. Where 12 tabling TAGS would not ruin the game because the open availability of online poker would mean so many recreational players that they would dwarf those that even halfway knew what they are doing. Now is this scenario likely? No. But a guy can dream.

I would, however, be interested in the comments of those who know more about large gambling companies, and their interest in such matters. I have heard nothing but pure conjecture. When/if the smaller companies have been done away with, will the large corporations try to make a move, and if so how?

[dikshit]

Hi

It's going to be difficult now for the Administration to legalize online gambling given its increasingly aggressive stance. I think at least five years.

What really annoys me is the fact that the 'do-gooders' always have the whip hand.

It's like all the politicians and public figures are against corruption, cocaine and extra-marital affairs, but once any of the large number them get caught they are 'foolish' and deeply 'regret' what they did, when all they really damn well regret is getting caught.

Most people are too cowardly to publically approve of even minor 'vices' such as poker, even if it brings a lot of enjoyment to most who take part.

I really hope, that while many remain silent on the issue, that in the privacy of casting their future votes, they speak with a louder voice.

poker-freedom.com

[UlidEyes]

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I have long salivated at the idea of a golden age of online poker

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See 2004-05 [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[Gregatron]

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It's going to be difficult now for the Administration to legalize online gambling given its increasingly aggressive stance.

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It's completely out of the question that this administration would allow anything of the sort.

That said I want to be careful to point out this is not really a partisan issue. Big players in Washington and on K street (eg Harry Reid) will make this work, not Democrats or Republicans collectively

[dakinghund]

The big casinos have tried to run online sites but abandoned them due to government restrictions. If restrictions were abandoned (unlikely) they would of course take over the internet gambling buisness. Because restrictions will not be eased they will accept second best, increased buisness due to the internet crackdown. If you browse some old montly poker publications you will see the stories.