Now that we've got this
Internet gambling prohibition legislation in Michigan out in the open, we can start having a look at what the bill's supporters have to say. First up to the plate was Michigan Family Forum Executive Director Mike Harris, who testified this week before the Michigan House Committee on Gaming and Casino Oversight.
In his testimony, Harris, a former state senator in Kansas, regurgitates the same rhetoric that's been tossed around for three years by others who favor prohibition--addiction, underage gambling, unfair business practices, etc.--but he serves up a few extra tasty nuggets to give it his own twist.
Amazingly, he admits that allowing Internet gambling would be acceptable if the government could get its hands on some of the riches. "There is absolutely no offsetting economic benefit to the State shouldered with these (aforementioned) problems," he told the committee.
He also warns that online gaming fosters criminal activity. "More crime follows from Internet gambling," he said. "Virtual casinos may cheat customers without fear of detection, and addictive gambling itself promotes financial crimes such as embezzlement, check kiting, credit card fraud and tax evasion." No examples of such activity were cited.
Advocates of online gaming, on the other hand, are quick to point out that there very little, if any, documented criminal activity occurs as a result of wagering on the Internet. Many, including Interactive Gaming Council Vice-Chairman Albert Angel, believe that prohibition would actually result in much more crime than regulation. He told the National Gambling Impact Study Commission in February that regulation "would be far more effective than an old-style federal prohibition."
Michigan Family Forum, a small-time version of Dr. James Dobson's "Focus on the Family," is a private, non-profit, research and education organization based in Lansing, Michigan. It's focus is to serve Michigan residents by "encouraging government to perform its proper and unique roles."
[View Mike Harris' Testimony]