Tag Archives: spend

Is Gambling Moral or Immortal? (Page 1 of 2)

The US Congress passed The Safe Port Act that also included the “Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006” (UIGEA) that aims to make it illegal for US banks to process transactions related to online gaming. The bill was signed into law by President Bush on October 13 and several big name UK companies instantly lost the majority of their income.

The bill was clearly politically motivated by Republicans who are worried about losing control in the House after the November election. House Republican leaders announced that this bill would be part of a 10-part “American Values Agenda,” which consists of 10 unrelated pieces of legislation, including a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, tax cuts, a flag burning law, and extensive restrictions on stem cell research. Furthermore, this is a way our legislators can separate themselves from the now-disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who lobbied against previous versions of this bill using bribes, fraud, and hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist in the bill’s defeat.

The democratic take over of the House and Senate may be the best thing that could have happened to the internet gambling community since the UIGEA passed. Especially considering the particular Democrats who took seats from Republicans.

Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank, who is expected to chair the Financial Services Committee, has a libertarian approach to gambling and does not believe that the U.S. should be telling people how to spend their money.

Most Americans do not know that debate was not allowed on this bill. Amendments were not allowed, the Act/deal was made behind closed doors and only a very select few people were in on it. Well, as millions of Americans head to their computers for a little safe and legal online gaming some weekend expect them to discover what has gone on behind their backs.

Probably, the first time they ever tried to play online they were shocked to find that their credit cards disallowed the transaction. This shock would inevitably have been followed by a call to their bank to ask why they were not allowed to use their own money where they wanted. The response they would typically get would simply be, we do not allow transactions of this type. More shock and awe. That a bank that they trust to keep their personal and hard earned money safe, will not allow them to spend it the way they want.

We can read such messages on index pages of gambling sites: “Dear Valued Player, As a result of the recent internet gaming bill in the USA, the Casino Golden Palace Online partner sites will no longer allow gaming by USA residents.” ( Casino Golden Palace

The Beauty of Casinos

Vegas. Atlantic City. You name it. Casinos are very exciting. A night out at a casino rolling the dice, slapping the cards and winning money can be intoxicating and fun, and in some cases, quite lucrative. Some people like slot machines. There is something quite relaxing and soothing about pulling down the lever and seeing the numbers rolling by. Old-school slot machines, where you actually insert coins are the best. The sound of the coins entering the slots is just grand.

Others prefer the tables. A good game of black jack while the alcohol is flowing can be enjoyed by all. Did you know that black-jack is the most widely played casino banking game in the world? And why is it so popular? Black jack has become popular over the years due to a sweet mix of chance, luck, skill and maybe a little card counting.

Movies such as Rain Man and 21, have forever mystified the art of counting cards. Card counters use specially acquired ratio calculations to beat the system. It is a widely believed myth that card counting is illegal in the United States. There have been cases where skilled players have taken casinos to court for “Banning skilled players from the tables” Ken Uston, a widely known card counter won such a case against a casino in Atlantic city. However card counting is not recommended, as casinos, may unofficially get someone to chase away card counters.

The great thing places like Vegas, is that they are loner towns. You don’t have to bring friends with to gamble with you. In Vegas you will be able make friends to gamble with any time of the night or day. These casinos are full of gamblers drinking, laughing and having a blast. Everybody is your friend in Vegas. You can walk up and down the strip making friends all along the way.

There is nothing more appealing then gambling with the big boys. If you spend a lot of money at a casino, they will take care of you. Casino bosses will take you into your own private room that is flowing with booze, money, cigars and hot ladies. Of course if you are a winner, the girls will be all over you, and if you are a looser, not so much.

The best thing by far about casinos, is that often the adjoining hotel will comp your accommodation and food, and even more often you will receive specials and coupons. What is better than a free bed for the night? If you get bored of gambling you can also go watch a show or two. Most casino’s offer world class entertainment. Think cancan girls or blue men, the options in a casino town are endless.

As a last point, it is imperative to point out that winners know when to stop. Never spend more money then you have. Decide on a limit and stick to it. Never spend your whole salary on a casino.