Republican Senator Chris Cannon is the latest individual to speak out against Bob Goodlatte’s online gaming bill. Even though the Utah Senator remains firmly opposed to the legalization of the online casino industry, Cannon has stated that he will “vigorously oppose" the bill when it resurfaces in Congress.
Cannon has also opposed previous attempts to outlaw online gambling, despite his statements referring to online gaming as a "pernicious vice," and "abhorrent." He has sought to amend the bill on several occasions by removing references to horse racing.
The reason for Cannon’s criticism of the bill is the “back door” he believes it offers to some forms of online wagering. Fantasy sports, lottery carve-outs and horse racing have been named as areas of major concern.
Currently Utah and Hawaii are the only two states that ban outright any form of gambling, and Chris Cannon wants to ensure the law isn’t given the opportunity to change. "While I am an ardent opponent of gambling, one of the things I don't want to see is an opportunity for gambling because we pre-empt state law," Cannon said. "I don't want Utah to get bombarded with gambling if it becomes legal."

However, Senator Bob Goodlatte has denied fears that the bill could potentially deal out special treatment to horse racing or any other gambling businesses. He points out that a separate federal law addresses all issues pertaining to horse racing and said, "I strongly disagree with anybody that says this legislation adds a carve-out for the horse racing industry.”

Goodlatte also highlighted the need for legislation, stating that over 2,300 gambling sites currently exist on the internet. The gambling industry itself is worth $12 billion dollars a year.

Back to April 2006 Online Gambling News
Back to latest Online Gambling News
Back to Online Gambling Archive