Some time ago, I posted a letter that I sent to my elected officials in Massachusetts concerning pending legislation that would simultaneously legalize casino gambling and prohibit internet gambling. I received a response from Governor Patrick, but it was so vacuous that I didn’t even bother posting it. It stated only that he appreciated input and would be considering the views of his constiuents as this matter proceeds. He didn’t even give his position on the subject.
I did, on the other hand, receive a somewhat more encouraging response from Marty Walz, my state representative. She states that, “I do not have a position on the bill, but I do oppose that section” that prohibits internet gaming. She acknowledges that “the legislature will make substantial changes to the governor’s proposal,” so this may not be a difficult commitment for her to make, but it was more than the governor did one way or the other.
Online gambling needs to regulated, so that the people have the free right to choose if and when they want to gamble over the Internet.