Let My People Play

Let us (and by us I mean, me) discuss various gambling laws throughout the states, as blasphemous of a topic as it is.

Fortunately for we poker players, most states apply what is known as a dominant factor test when determining where to draw the line on gambling. Most states have concluded that where an element of skill in a game presides over the element of chance involving the outcome, then the game does not violate any anti-gambling laws. Out of 50 states, 40 have taken advantage of this test. So my question remains, why is it then so hard for our state government to take a stance on internet gambling? I see no difference in a virtual poker table than a concrete poker table, aside from the fact that now we don't need sunglasses.

Interestingly, 29 states allow social gambling, as if it were less of an offense to lose your money to your friends.

I'll tell you what it all comes down to. The goverment's pissed that they can't tax the living hell out of casinos profits. Can't really question that when you take the lottery into consideration. If a person wants to blow all of his hard earned money because he hasn't learned how to play the game or call it quits, that's his right. How can the goverment tell us how we should spend our paychecks when they've already ass-raped us out of most of it in taxes? Some people choose to spend everything they make on booze and cigarettes, but there doesn't seem to be a problem there. More importantly, most online poker sites provide links to where you can get help should you feel you may have a gambling problem. You don't see AA cards taped to liquor bottles, do you?

All I'm saying is, you gotta fight for your right to gamble.