Lawmakers Use Internet Gambling Legislation For Political Gain

The current debate over online gaming -should it be legalized and regulated, or banned outright-is what is known as a lobbyist issue. You see, the average American could care less about this issue either way; it simply doesn’t affect their lives. However, there are certain “small” segments of the population that feel very strongly about this issue, one way or the other.

And it’s these groups that put our Senators and members of Congress in a very sticky situation; politically speaking. On the one hand, they each have personal views on the issue and a constituency to speak for; and on the other hand they have special interest groups -who fund their campaigns-breathing down their necks.

Imagine you are a 1^st term Congressman from a very Republican leaning district; but you won the republican primary by a very slim margin. Even if you were an avid Online Poker player, it would be political suicide for you to vote to overturn the UIGEA legislation! For the most part, your constituents couldn’t be bothered, but you cannot afford to lose the support of “right-wing” groups like Focus on the Family and the Christian Coalition (both of which are vehemently opposed to online gambling). The withdrawal of their support, and subsequent backing of another candidate (who sees things their way), would be enough to insure you never see a 2^nd term.

Conversely, a moderate Republican or Democrat could face the same pressures from the other side.

The point being, many lawmakers will be voting based on politics, and not facts and personal beliefs, on this issue. In the end this could very well be an issue decided by which side holds more political sway. Because the average American is unaffected by this law, the lawmaker can side with the special interest group that is best for the career; and receive minimal fallout from the people they represent.