Rather brazen of the governor.

Not only does Gov. Patrick call for two-year jail terms and a $25,000 fine for people caught gambling online, the proposal comes in the same bill whose larger purpose is to allow for three new casinos in Massachusetts.

I’ve seen the same politician push bricks-and-mortar casinos in one bill while restricting online gambling in another. And of course, states like Texas, Illinois, and Virginia have cracked down on private gambling and poker games while spending millions promoting lottery scratch-offs with card-playing and poker themes.

But to shamelessly toss online gamblers in prison while pushing for new casinos in the same bill? Points to Patrick for testicular fortitude, I guess. And for at least being open and transparent about his bald protectionism.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 1:17 pm by admin and is filed under Gambling, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.