PA United States
Member #4,284
April 8, 2004
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The other night, I received an automated phone call from the PA lottery asking me different questions pertaining to which lottery games I played, how often I played, how much I spent etc... But the question that shocked me was that of "would you play online if the opportunity exists?" I don't know for sure if they are considering this, but wouldn't that be great!
Wisconsin United States
Member #1,303
March 27, 2003
1,508 Posts
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The other night, I received an automated phone call from the PA lottery asking me different questions pertaining to which lottery games I played, how often I played, how much I spent etc... But the question that shocked me was that of "would you play online if the opportunity exists?" I don't know for sure if they are considering this, but wouldn't that be great!
I think Illinois was playing with the idea also, and a few other states have been "putting out feelers".
I think its inevitable, since the states refuse to limit their state spending, and are becoming more and more strapped for revenues. The interesting thing is how they will get "around" the Federal Wire Law...As I understand it, this law prohibits anyone from using a telephone line to make a wager. Now, this doesn't stop anyone from doing so, obviously. (and with alll the real criminals out theer, what's the Fed going to do...start putting little elderly ladies in jail? Talk about a prime plum for media criticism) But once a state or states start doing it, they are encouraging their players to break Federal Law.
So the states would have to get the Fed law repealed or changed....and if it's okay for the states to allow online betting, then that opens up the possibility for all the online casinos, etc., to also be exempt from violation of that law.
PA United States
Member #4,284
April 8, 2004
1,032 Posts
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I agree........ States would be foolish to pass up on the revenue thats being generated from off shore betting. Once the politicians figure out how they can line their pockets,the wheels will start to turn.
A long and winding road United States
Member #17,083
June 10, 2005
6,680 Posts
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Would it be feasible to side step the federal law by the sheer fact that ONLINE is not really using the telephone system so much as the baudband? Which is entirely different and could be argued on that premise alone?
On a side note there was a news report let out by our PA Attorney General about telephone solicitations and to be aware. The state departments do not call individuals for surveys or to gather opinions. Apparently a scam was reported on this very matter.