FOP Urges Congress to Oppose Ban on Online Gambling
9 years ago
03 Dec
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) sent a letter to leaders of Congress on Tuesday, strongly urging the lawmakers to take action against federal proposals that would prohibit online gambling regulation.
Addressing Senators Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, and Speaker of the House John Boehner, FOP National President Chuck Canterbury reiterated the organization's stance that a federal online gambling ban would increase crimes over the Internet such as identity theft and fraud and put a tremendous burden on law enforcement's desire to fight the problem.
A Federal prohibition is irresponsible and will severely hinder our efforts to combat unlawful activity on the Internet," Canterbury said.
FOP sent Congress a letter two years ago
This is not the first time that the FOP has voiced those concerns. The cop organization that boasts a memberhip of over 330,000 sent a letter to the same legislators in 2012 after the Reid-Kyl bill was released, but never proposed.
Much like the recent letter dated December 2, 2014, the missive sent two years ago warned that regulated online poker and gambling is crucial to the efforts of law enforcement. The black market allows Internet crime to thrive, and at the same time affords no protection to consumers, Canterbury said.
States like Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada have taken the lead in creating regulated systems," Canterbury added. "Residents that choose to play have access to a well-regulated, well-monitored system and will not be drawn into putting their money or identities at risk on offshore, unlicensed black market sites. Congress cannot ban its way out of this problem as this would simply drive online gaming further underground and put more people at risk."
Adelson coalition losing momentum
The legislation that aims to ban online gambling referred to by the FOP is the "Restoration of Americas Wire Act" (RAWA) proposed in March by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Jason Chaffetz. That proposal is the brainchild of Sheldon Adelson and his Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.
Adelson's efforts to wipe out regulated online gambling in the U.S. have taken a hit as of late, as more and more individuals and groups have spoken out against the billionaire's attempts to eradicate igaming. Along with the FOP, the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, former Texas congressman Ron Paul, and others have taken jabs at the casino mogul.
PPA reacts to FOP letter
The Poker Players Alliance issued a statement applauding the FOP for again speaking up and reminding Congress that a federal ban on online gaming would not serve the best interests of U.S. residents.
The states have already proven that online gaming can be appropriately regulated and in fact have greater controls than brick-and-mortar casinos," said PPA executive director John Pappas. "It’s time for Congress to either step up and create a safe and regulated online poker environment for all Americans or step aside and allow the states to proceed in doing so for their respective citizens.”
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