Deseret News | Chaffetz fears bill on gambling

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Chaffetz fears bill on gambling

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dave | 4:57 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Freedom?? No, no freedom here. Please go elsewhere if you want freedom.

slcfirefighter | 5:12 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Have you not heard of free agency?

Fear, Fear! | 5:19 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

While all of the borders around Utah are making bank on Utahns gambling. We are snoozing and losing cthe money that could be used to pay for our schools. What a joke!
Thats all we need is to continue the oppression.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 5:24 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

legalize gambling, stop this madness from the almighty church. I am tired of being oppressed in the state.

Porn | 5:34 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Is also legal. And as we know, Utah leads the country in viewing it online. I wonder if Mormons are also closet gamblers...? Chaffetz is right to be concerned. Suddenly Utahns will be helping erase the deficit! Ha ha ha ha ha

noblondes | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

20 very close people are affected when someone has a serious gambling problem. Boss, spouse, kids, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, then it is about taking anything of value and ponding it so you can gamble. Utah understands this. We need to fight it. Our state needs to be strong in its values regardless of your religious beliefs. I am not LDS but respect our values as a State. We encourage business to come here and we have always had very good governers to keep our state in the top 5 that attract families and business. Please support our leaders to fight "gambling in Utah", if you want to go to wendover or Malad to gamble then that is great but please lets not make our state another one with a bad vise as gambling. Please.

To: dave | 5:53 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Don't be stupid.

Hypocrisy | 6:03 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Gee, I thought that only Democrats wanted to control our lives? I thought that Democrats complained and banned while conservatives exercised their free agency and "changed the channel?"

This just goes to show that Republicans are just as bad as Democrats when it comes to wanting to expand government, control the "free market" and play with our lives.

MONEY | 6:14 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

CHAFFETZ fears;

fears that GLENN BECK has beat him to the punch selling every fear "IMAGINABLE"?

fears that people might make a CHOICE?

fears that he won't be elected again unless he goes off the charts FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR RIGHT?

FEAR INDEED!

Media hound Chaffetz | 6:29 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Ahhh - another hot button media opportunity for Rep. Chaffetz.

Let's see, Chaffetz doesn't want feds sticking their nose into state affairs, but it's ok for him to stick his congresssional nose into individual personal choices?

I guess it's just a reflection of Republican principles. Freedoms and responsible choices extend only as far as our moral watchdogs will permit.

johnie | 6:29 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Anonymous and Fear, Fear
Your mind must look like a garbage dump !!!!!
Get a life and try to something good for a change !!!!!
Did I get that the 'oppression' may get you to move to another state,,,,HOORAY, HOORAY !!!!!!!

What about.. | 6:41 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

...all the greenhouse gases emitted from driving to Wendover or Idaho? Think of all the gas that would be saved? Double shot to the economy!!

Relax And Let It Be | 6:49 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

We don't need casino's, but it sure would not hurt anything to have a lottery and pari-mutuel gaming! Utah is one of the biggest states in the mountain area in horse ownership. This is an agriculture driven industry which is exactly what a big portion of this state is. There are many horse breeders and owners that live here that have to export their animals out of state to compete in racing, and if we had racing and pari mutuel here we would be one of the leaders regionally in a very positive and clean industry. Let it come I'm ready and willing.

consistency | 6:53 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

well here's the rub: liberty would say gambling should be legal, but those who become addicted or lose their shirts should not be rescued and subsidized by those who don't make those unwise decisions. those in favor of entitlements (barney frank) introduce a gambling legalization bill but desire to keep expanding government - aid, entitlements, subsidies - w/out reponsibility, as they did with housing prior to the mortgage crisis.
be consistent in liberty and freedom, and where responsibility falls. enough of this 'enabling' and 'nanny state' mentality.

Eyes in the news | 7:14 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

What do you call investing in the stock market? Gambling (sorry) looking for which company stock is going up or down.
Gambling your money for a quick profit (sorry) investing your money for a quick profit.
Sorry, gambling in the stock market is call investing.

Don't Relax and Don't Let It Be | 7:32 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Regardless of your religious views on the subject, state lotteries are just bad public policy. These lotteries are essentially a tax on the poor (and yes, I know some of you Republicans actually favor that the poor pay at least something). When I lived in California, you could buy state lottery tickets at the same window where you picked up and cashed your welfare check. There were a lot of people who would drop large percentages of their check on lottery tickets. None of them ever hit it big, as far as I know. After a while the news media exposed this, and California stopped the practice. Nevertheless states that keep statistics show that a disproportionate number of lottery tickets are purchased by people at lower income levels... the people who can least afford the wager. State lotteries are bad public policy.

To Anonymous | 7:36 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Please move!

Live... | 8:02 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

and let live.

Andy | 8:31 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

So the rest of the country should be stuck with laws that infringe on individual liberty because Utah doesn't want to allow it?

dave | 8:40 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

To: To: dave | 5:53 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Don't be stupid.

Why do you hate America? America stands for freedom. If you hate freedom you hate America.

God bless America

Utahns are already gambling | 8:54 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I play poker online every night and even taught a co-worker how to bet on horses online today and yes, we're in Utah. He even picked a winner. Watched it live on TVG online on my slingbox after laying off the action online offshore. I know, it's unbelievable. I don't know how I live with myself.

Why wouldn't you want to legalize and tax something that you can't stop anyway? Utahns already gamble online. Oh yeah, and they spend millions in Nevada at casinos, millions in Idaho buying lottery tickets, and millions in Wyoming betting on horse races. The people that have problems and blow all their money...they never come back, right? Heh. We still have all the issues that come with gambling, but none of the benefit..that's right, benefits...just ask the Idaho education fund.

Do you realize that Nevada doesn't have the powerball lottery? Legalize it here and you'd have people from Las Vegas and Mesquite spending their money in St. George to buy them...imagine that. But we don't want their dirty money..even if it was our money at one time.

what in tucket? | 9:11 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Gambling casino's, online gambling real dumb. THey cost a lot more than their revenue in destroyed families, families in debt, crime, etc.

Clark County | 9:42 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Clark County Nevada
Gambling is not recession proof! Look at these sales figures from Vegas.
Don't get sucked into thinking gambling profits will pay the bills. Nevada will have an income tax just like Utah very soon.

Building materials fell 34.8 percent
Furniture sales down 41.7 percent
Restaurant and bar businesses decline 9.5 percent
Car sales dropped 17.7 percent
Clothing sales fell 15.3 percent
General merchandise business down to 9.8 percent

dave | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Clark County | 9:42 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Perhaps you have not heard. We have been in a recession. Business is down everywhere...

guardian | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

its true! the state lottery system is the highest donator to the education system! im not saying lets get tables and slots! but y not allow the state lottery's, and atleast keep some of our money in our state for our kids and for other repairs!

northwest reader | 10:18 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

The lotteries and gambling industries have decimated the U.S. through the faulty concept of gain without effort. We citizens can't bypass the basic human truth that we must work to sustain a viable society. Gambling's taking from one to satisfy another is fundamentally flawed. Perhaps that is why Frank likes it so much. It can not be sustained. That is why it has been illegal and why dependence on its thievery has overturned communities wanting a quick fix.

live and let live | 11:04 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

The Republicans and I guess Jason Chaffetz, talk a big game about limited government, but their onslaught against free agency is as bad as the Democrats. Return government to its true function, protecting our rights. Stop being the vice and virtue patrol...protect our rights period.

Ultra | 11:28 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

What does it say about a state that not only encourages but facilitates its residents gambling? State lotteries are run for and played by fools. Keep it up Chaffetz.

really?? | 12:35 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

So, he'e concerned??? What JOKE? I wish I could get a conservative to represent me. What a MORON!

Keep watching | 12:37 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Chaffetz is great. I'm voting for him again next year.

jim | 1:38 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

If Americans want to be responsible for not only permitting but encourgaging an activity that will lead to destroyed lives of their fellow citizens based on the lies that no significant harm and that people should be free to destroy their lives then they will allow online gambling. If they want to protect the vulnerable in their nation, (and in the case of gambling anyone can become vulnerable as once addicted individulas are not relying only on free will) then they will sure it remains illegal. Any gambling can be harmful, but onine gambling nand other forms of electronic gambling are known as the 'crack-cocaine' of gambling. The only voices in favour of allowing it are the industry themselves who profit from it, and relevant government officials (who probably profit from their relationships with the industry). Stand up for what is 'right' and dont believe the lies!

Tax on the Poor | 2:56 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

the majority of lotteries, etc are an ingenious way of keeping the poor poor.
they hope to get something for nothing, an instant fix.

Include Wall Street? | 4:09 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Wall Street to is a gambling enterprise so how many laymen have seen big profits from them?

So what happens if all forms of gambling, not just lotteries, are legalized and state and government start spending this new windfall tax then like all other taxes it also declines? Legalizing gambling solely for the purpose of taxation is not very sound economic judgment.

This country has lost trillions of dollars in taxes because of economic disasters and instead of improving the economy they are resorting to taxation on a whole new level. This is nothing more than a new economy based tax that is not a long term solution to our economic disaster.

Once again the gambling tax is targeting the wage earner and poor for these new taxes. How happy will the hardcore gambler be when 50-60% of their winnings will go to state and federal government? The definition of gambling will be expanded to include those at home games with their buddies. Then get arrested for tax evasion on a whole new level too.

Gambling is an inherent choice we all have and some just do it with money.

gosh | 5:46 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I hate to be a teller of truth in this:

I grew up in Utah. We had weekly poker games, with money, as a teenager. 30 miles from the famous temple in salt lake. Our parents drove to the golf course and played the slots. Some went to Price and played other forms of chance.

Gambling in Utah? It has been in the state for at least... 50 years that I personally know of.

WHat a hoot to hear this politician raise the alarm!! Oh gosh, I needed a good laugh this morning, thanks.

invest in a better Utah | 6:13 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

If they legalize gambling in Utah.... just think of the gas that will be saved from people not driving to,Idaho or Nevada......
Where will the next group of Temples be announced in Aprils general conference? Place your bets......
People gamble everyday, have you been on the highway......

Always right? | 6:28 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Many years ago, the issue of pari-mutual horse betting was raised in Utah. I listened to a guy say "I raise horses and race them outside of Utah. I personally don't see anything wrong with pari-mutual betting on horses. But if "the Church" comes out against it, I will vote against it.

"The Church" has too much sway over people. Trust your own mind!!!!

S2 | 6:43 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

The world's justification, obviously supported by every open-minded brain-sloshing liberal, is that as long as it is taxable and will provide more revenue for someone to suck down, it is justifiable.
Marijuana is on the verge of be decriminalized, gambling for everyone, stem cell research, proportionally overblown funding of AIDs research, partial-birth abortions....there is no recognizable lines drawn along lines of morality - if it makes money for someone, and creates some momentary blip that someone defines as something that makes them happy, then it is justified. And don't you Christians out there judge me for what I do in my house cuz it doesn't hurt anyone and you are not supposed to judge people, right?

But I do want you to help me stay in my house, and give me health care insurance, and extended job benefits, and an easy retirement, and subsidized day care, medications, and in-state college tuition rates for my illegal alien landscaper's kids.

Nope, no lines drawn - let's just let it all hang out, baby, and do what feels good. Nothing matters as long as the gov't can tax it and consequences are handled elsewhere.

Anonymous | 6:58 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

A chance meeting with Frank? That's the only way Chaffetz can get an audience with the leadership of the majority. And I would bet that Frank barely even knows Chaffetz, if at all, and here Chaffetz is claiming he called Frank by his first name. What a joke. Chaffetz is a joke.

Linus | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Gambling, with its admitted odds against the gambler, is designed to take advantage of the weak, the mentally handicapped, and the desperate elements of our society. Gambling should be condemned as a "hate crime" against dumb people.

Any society that supports its good causes on the backs of these poor people is a cynical society. My heart goes out to the innocent victims of gambling; the wives and children of addicted and mentally handicapped gamblers.

Chaffetz fears life! | 8:13 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

A true headline, but you will never see it in the news

Wrex | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I never thought I would agree with Mr. Chaffetz on something! But here it is.

Chaffetz Supporter | 8:37 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Chaffetz with all due respect you have this one completely wrong. We’re all tired of say this but “read the bill” the state opt outs are specifically designed for states like UT to do just that period. This is no camel’s nose under the tent. And to those that “claim” the “evils” of gambling you should look in the mirror. There are more people that have compulsive shopping habits, i.e. shoes, clothes in order to keep up with the Jones than people that “destroy” families. More than likely you or someone you love and go to church with suffers from compulsive shopping more than problem gambling. Chaffetz is a media hog and is always looking for ways to keep his name “fresh” and above the top fold. IF this is truly an argument about “states rights” than why don’t you advocate for UT to opt-out and the let the rest of them decide for themselves. And stop being so anti-American Indian, not all of them WANT tribal casinos, just like most states WANT online gaming. Stop baring your head in the sand, lead by example not by fear mongering.

Better yet | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

A better idea would be to regulate people's obsessive behavior in regards to food. I don't know of one compulsive gambler but about 50% of the people I pass on the streets have eating problems and my health insurance is skyrocketing because of them.

lets not forget | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Gambling is bad-- it is the most regressive tax there is today. It takes money from people who usually can't afford it. Allowing gambling is the most socially irresponsible move a government can make. Forget the moral issues, it is bad public policy-- and those of us that are democrats ought to be ashamed of ourselves for jumping chance to exploit those we profess to want to protect.

Cats | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Jason is right. Gambling is a blight on society. Even PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS agree with that. If you ask Bob Stupak or many other professionals in the gambling world they will CANDIDLY tell you that gambling is a VERY BAD THING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

I saw a guy being interviewed who had worked in the gambling industry and had operated casinos for many years. He stated how bad gambling was and said he didn't know ANYONE in his profession who would dissagree with that. This is from someone who knows. They have seen many lives destroyed by gambling.

I really respect the Navajo Nation for refusing to have gambling on their reservation. They know it is bad for their people.

Let's be smart and learn from those who know. Utah is one of only two states that has no form of legalized gambling. Let's be proud of that and keep on the path of what's good for society.

Emjay | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I have been in casinos on reservations. Most of the people sitting there gambling are Indians. They are gambling away their money. This is bad for their families and everyone on the reservation.

Linus 7:58 | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I live in Vegas and gamble a bit. Most of us considered and entertainment venue, just like going to the movies. We play what we are willing to lose, get a few drinks (comp) and go home afterwards. Also we do have a large population Mormons and some do drink and gamble (some of my co-workers). Let's not forget usually there is a lounge act which is free to watch.

TheEngineer | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

If you're as disgusted by this effort to censor the Internet as I am, please call Rep. Chaffetz and tell him.

Contact info:
1032 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7751
Fax: (202) 225-5629

Donna | 9:37 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I am a member of the Poker Player's Alliance and lobbied in Wash. D.C. in support of Frank's bill.This bill will regulate online gaming in the US, and bring in billions of tax payers money. Money that is now going overseas.It has safeguards in place to keep out underage players, monitor problem gamblers, prevent cheating, provide recourse for US player if cheating occurs, etc. Furthermore, poker, which is the predominant online game, has been classified as a game of skill by several state governments recently. Anyone who plays as I do, knows this to be a fact. The horses are out of the barn, people are already playing online and have been for years. Let it be regulated and taxed by supporting Frank's bill. Please educate yourself on all aspects of this before forming an opinion.

TheEngineer | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Most people at casinos are responsibly participating in an activity of entertainment. Surely everyone has noticed that communities with casinos don't pass legislation to get rid of them (the ones that did so one hundred years ago did so for religious reasons, not for societal ones). For poker, this is even more true.

The government should not try to stop online poker. Poker is a peer-to-peer game of skill that has nothing in common with a slot machine.

People who don't wish to play ought not play. It's that simple. Problem solved.

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