Internet Gambling

Take the Internet—the world's hottest and fastest-growing medium, and one that promises instant gratification. Take gambling—a recreation and form of excitement that plenty of people would love to have instant access to. Seems like a match made in heaven, yes? Personally, I don't think so. But let's look at both sides of the issue. First, let's delve into the obvious appeal of cyber-gambling. Can't make it to the casino? No problem—a virtual casino will come to you. Just log on and go to one of over a hundred casino sites, download some software, and the cards, slots, wheels, and dice will follow. Not only that, but it's completely private, self-directed, and non-intimidating. You can play at your own pace, with your favorite food at your fingertips, and—best of all—in your underwear. It's a decadent delight. Plus you don't have to deal with noise, smoke, drunken patrons, or surly dealers. Ah, the wonders that a computer and a phone line can bring.

Here's catch number one: It's illegal. The Federal Interstate Wire Act forbids the use of U.S. telephone lines to conduct a betting or wagering business whether in the United States or overseas. Many states have been very active in prosecuting on-line operators who offer sports wagering or casino gambling. The United States government believes all Internet casinos are unlawful, which is why the casinos have their host computers on foreign soil, typically in the Caribbean. Right now, it's not a crime for you to bet at an on-line casino, but some elected officials are pushing legislation that would turn on-line bettors into criminals.

Whether the states and the federal government are really concerned about unprotected consumers or whether they don't want to lose the tax revenue can be debated. Still, Internet gambling critics rightly point out that regulation may be lax or absent for on-line casinos. Which brings up problem number two (one that's even more troubling to me): whether or not you get an honest game. Casino-on- demand sounds less attractive when you're giving out your credit card number or bank account information to casinos that are faceless, off-shore, unregulated enti- ties. You can't be certain that they will offer a fair game or pay up when you win. The Internet casinos don't think of themselves as outlaws. As far as they're con- cerned, they're merely conducting business using a global medium. Many on-line casinos have gained good reputations and the trust is reinforced by the repeated play of satisfied customers. In this growing industry, quality on-line casinos want to be known as trustworthy and respectable in order to keep their competitive edge. The well-run casinos have numbers and e-mail addresses for concerns and com- plaints. And many supporters claim that since the Internet eases communication among its many savvy users, any casino that has a tinge ofcrookedness will soon be abandoned.

Nonetheless, there have been many incidents of ripoffs and frauds. And if you get scammed, you don't have much recourse. As a general rule, gambling debts are non-recoverable, and how are you going to chase down a company thousands of miles away in the Caribbean? Call me cynical, but I'm reluctant to risk money when I'm not playing in live conditions, don't know the quality of regulation, and know that a computer program can easily be altered to provide any result an on-line casino wants. Yes, word will spread fast if a casino doesn't pay winners. But it would be very difficult to detect if the casino is shortchanging players with non-random events—in other words, stacking the deck. This would require more analysis and worry than I care to deal with Internet gambling's greatest danger is often touted as its greatest virtue—easy accessibility. Perhaps it is wise to have people exert some effort and deliberate thought in pursuing this brand of entertainment. Gambling can turn into compul- sion. I'm not saying the Internet will turn everyone into jewelry-pawning despera- dos, but some temptations don't need to be that convenient—just like it's easier not to pig out when your home isn't filled with Twinkles and chocolate bars.

Despite my misgivings, I'm sure some of you will want to try your luck in virtu- al casinos. At the very least, check the recommended Internet sites in Appendix D before risking any real money. These will provide good starting points to inquire about casinos and investigate their reputations. Personally, I think the only bet that should be made-—if the taint of illegality doesn't bother you—is sports betting. Only in sports can you have verifiable results and the reassurance that you're play- ing on a level field. But you still have to be confident that your winnings will be paid and your credit card won't be maxed out.

Perhaps the best use of an on-line casino is for practice, practice, practice. But not with real money. Many of the cyber-casinos allow you to download the soft- ware and then play for fun. (In fact, casinos that don't want to raise the ire of the U.S. government have a note saying that Americans should use only this mode.)

So we'll keep an eye on what develops. If some sort of regulation and consensus of security is reached, I will reconsider my rather negative stance. Even given the reassurance of an honest game, I do believe the ease of access could spur problem gambling in those who are susceptible. No matter what I believe, the casinos aren't going away. It's estimated that 40 million people access the Internet on a regular basis and the number is growing. Projections state that Internet gambling will be a $10-20 billion industry by the year 2000. No surprise. Where the people and their purses go, the casinos are sure to follow.


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Have Fun and Please Gamble Responsibly.