Patrick Bill is a Target for Internet Gambling

Although Governor Deval Patrick is planning to license three resort casinos in the state of Massachusetts, he also plans to tighten the hold on Internet gambling by making it illegal to place online bets for state residents. Going as far as proposing jail terms that could go up to two years, as well as a stiff penalty of $25,000 in fines for violators.

A federal law that was made 46 years ago prohibits betting with the use of telephone lines. To the United States Department of Justice that translates into prohibiting all online gambling. This policy was to prosecute the operators of online gambling sites, but not the gamblers themselves. Governor Patrick's provision will address both sides of this, which means having penalties for either end of the transaction.

Kofi Jones, spokeswoman for the governor's chief gambling adviser, said "Several of the provisions of the governor's proposed resort casinos bill seek to clarify the laws relating to gaming in Massachusetts, including online gaming." Others however feel that this suggested provision would make casino licenses more profitable by preventing any competition from online operators.

Laura Everett, spokeswman for Casino Free Massachusetts, a coalition of anticasino advocates, feels that one provision is not going to make a difference and the bill is only a problem.