Online gambling could face legal restrictions in Indiana

[clevfan]

Online gambling could face legal restrictions in Indiana

By Mike Westervelt
Publication Date: 09/28/06
Perdue Newspaper

Hoosiers who sit at their computers gambling online may be subject to greater restrictions in the near future.

State Rep. Joe Micon, D-West Lafayette, and Republican candidate Connie Basham both believe restrictions on the practice are necessary.

Micon commented on state law, stating "Currently, participating (in online gambling) is not illegal."

Indiana law allows such participation but prohibits the operation of a server hosting gambling within the state.

To date, Washington is the only U.S. state that prohibits gamers from logging on to poker, blackjack or other gambling sites. Online gambling within the state is considered a Class C felony, punishable with a $10,000 fine or five years in prison.

"(But) most states have chosen the route of not criminalizing (it,)" said Micon.

He said taxing winnings may be a possible route for increasing state revenue, but was confident saying "I think what we will see, in the relative future, is state regulation of (online) gaming in the state of Indiana."

Basham, the Republican candidate for the office, agrees and said that as credit card debt for college students continues to be a problem, now is the right time for regulation.

"Right now, we make it so easy for students to pile up debt," said Basham. "To use gambling to continue the cycle of debt ... we need regulations in place. I don't want to see gambling expanded."

She also commented there are already other significant gambling opportunities in the state, hinting that online gambling is unnecessary.

"We want students to succeed. We don't want them to go on a course for failure."