California online gambling debate continues

[The Buzz]

The Sacramento Bee published a piece over the weekend on the seemingly never-ending debate over regulated online gambling in California. Bills on online gambling were first introduced over two years ago, and according to this article, discussion on the issue will continue for at least another year.

Lobbyists and political campaigns are benefiting from the protracted discussion, collecting millions of dollars from the card rooms, racetracks and Indian tribes seeking to shape the future of Internet wagering.

The conversation centers on how it should be implemented and which of the competing interests will reap the benefits. That creates even more business for Capitol advocates, as they sort out differences among their clients.

"Any time there's a major new legislative initiative that is contentious, the details of which have to be worked out, it's good for the business of lobbyists, political consultants and lawyers," said Howard Dickstein, a lawyer who represents several Indian tribes, including the one that owns Thunder Valley casino near Lincoln.

[Anthony]

...which of the competing interests will reap the benefits.

IMO, it is all about who can profit the most and not getting the state of California the very much needed tax revenue. Our political system just can't act anymore without making sure the lobbyists and financial contributors are satisfied. What is best for the State or Country or the will of the people is irrelevant, the just focus on keeping the political coffers full so they can get reelected.

It's time we have term limits on all politicians... [rant ended]

[MJM]

IMO, it is all about who can profit the most and not getting the state of California the very much needed tax revenue. Our political system just can't act anymore without making sure the lobbyists and financial contributors are satisfied. What is best for the State or Country or the will of the people is irrelevant, the just focus on keeping the political coffers full so they can get reelected.

It's time we have term limits on all politicians... [rant ended]

I rant about term limits all the time - once jon politician has spent 30 years in washington instead of living in his disctrict it's pretty obvious he's going to be left working for the people that fill his campaign coffers.