kres24GT
07-15-2007, 12:37 AM
The World Series of Poker saw it's first decline in Main Event since 1992. Most attribute this to a recent law that makes it harder to play poker online. These sites often bought entries and gave them away as prizes.
Many are using this WSOP to speak out against the law, including poker legend Doyle Brunson. While some, like Brunson, have been financially hurt by the law, others like former Marine, Sailor and current (I think) talk show host Montel Williams (who was at one time the chip leader, but eventually lost) also spoke out against the law at the event this year.
The politicians sold us this legislation as yet another "protecting us from ourselves" law. Since we cannot gamble "responsibly" they will pass this law to make it harder for us. While I am sure some of the people who voted to pass this in Congress, and perhaps even president Bush who signed it into law, the main party at play here was casino lobbies who bought this law in order to defeat their internet competition.
It's great to see "government knows best" working together with lobbies buying laws that benefit them. Truly a great victory for freedom.
It does bring up one other interesting point. As we become less and less free to fail as the social programs grow and multiply, government will have a real responsibility to prevent us from failing. Where will the squashing of freedoms end?
Many are using this WSOP to speak out against the law, including poker legend Doyle Brunson. While some, like Brunson, have been financially hurt by the law, others like former Marine, Sailor and current (I think) talk show host Montel Williams (who was at one time the chip leader, but eventually lost) also spoke out against the law at the event this year.
The politicians sold us this legislation as yet another "protecting us from ourselves" law. Since we cannot gamble "responsibly" they will pass this law to make it harder for us. While I am sure some of the people who voted to pass this in Congress, and perhaps even president Bush who signed it into law, the main party at play here was casino lobbies who bought this law in order to defeat their internet competition.
It's great to see "government knows best" working together with lobbies buying laws that benefit them. Truly a great victory for freedom.
It does bring up one other interesting point. As we become less and less free to fail as the social programs grow and multiply, government will have a real responsibility to prevent us from failing. Where will the squashing of freedoms end?