Controversy with Harry Reid Could Change Online Gambling in the US

If the GOP has their way and force the resignation of Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, regulated online gambling may be one step closer to reality. Senator Reid has fought hard to keep online gambling illegal, in order to protect the gaming interests of his home state of Nevada. If he were no longer in Washington, many believe Rep. Barney Frank’s proposal for regulated internet gambling would have a much better chance of passage. His support in Washington has grown since he first introduced his legislation to overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, during the Bush Administration.

 Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz said “There is no doubt that Senator Reid has been forthcoming in his plan to protect the Nevada casino industry, and one way to do that is to oppose online gambling”. He further stated “If Reid were to step down, that may open the door a little wider for regulated online gambling.”

Reid has been under criticism for remarks he made during the 2008 presidential race, claiming Obama was “light skinned” and that he had “no Negro dialect”. He has since apologized for the remarks and the President has said that the matter is closed.

 The call for resignation appears to be along party lines and the chances of his stepping down are slim.

Author: GamesAndCasino