Poker News

Gambling act could spell trouble for GOP

2006-11-06 14:35:11

The already-infamous Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which has seen many US voters being forced to turn to elsewhere for their gambling leisure pursuits, may be the straw that breaks the Republican Party's back, according to a new report.

While the law in itself may not influence a truly significant proportion of US voters, the legislation comes with the GOP struggling to promote a positive image following the Iraq war, economic problems and congressional scandals, a report in the Associated Press suggests.

With 60 per cent of US adults believing that gambling is morally acceptable, Republican efforts to appeal to Christian conservatives may have backfired.

"I've talked with Republicans all over the country, and they all understand that this is a theft of our liberty," said Republican supporter Alan Sheldon from Ohio, speaking to the Associated Press. Mr Sheldon said he would not be voting for his party in the midterm elections.

The ban has attracted worldwide criticism, most vocally from UK culture secretary Tessa Jowell, who described the legislation as "the new prohibition".


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