Possibility of Online Gambling in Iowa Not Sitting Well with Religious Groups

Submitted by Evan on Fri, 2010-03-05 at 20:14

Iowa’s recent consideration of online gambling has generated a lot of response, both positive and negative. Some accept that online casinos will generate a lot of money for the state while others don’t believe that people should be put at risk just for that reason.

A religious group that claims their focus is on advocating for families, is speaking out against the proposed bill. Leaders of this group say that state representatives should be lowering spending instead of increasing revenue this way because it has the potential to put families in jeopardy. They fear that as the state becomes accustomed to the extra income, they will soon come to rely on the money and will be unable to make any changes in the future.

Iowa’s decision makers say that thousands of residents already gamble online without being taxed or offered any type of protection. Regulation will help to monitor online gambling habits and some of the money will be set aside for therapeutic purposes.

The family-oriented religious group in question is known for believing that parents should have the right to teach their children in whatever manner they choose; they are opposed to gay marriage and believe that online gambling should be illegal because of the possible effects on individuals, families and communities.