Friday, September 29, 2006

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."