Porn Relation to Online Gambling Angers Many

July 26, 2008

When Rep. Spencer Bachus made his speech linking child pornography to online gambling, many were speechless �at first. But now they are angry and speaking out about the �disgusting� relationship that Bachus decided to make between the two.

One opponent of the speech is Dr. Jeffrey L. Derevensky, who is a leading professor at McGill University. He says that Bachus incorrectly cited the research that the university had done on online gambling and addiction, and felt that it was simply used to make his case � but in the wrong way.

Derevensky says that he believes that regulation is what is needed, not prohibition, of online gambling in order to put in safeguards to protect against underage and problem gambling. After Bachus quoted the survey in his speech, Derevensky said, "This assertion, which is reportedly based upon our empirical research, is not predicated upon any factual evidence."

He went on to say that there was no connection between online gambling and suicides. He says he sent a letter to that affect to Reps. Barney Frank and Bachus last week. He says that Congress needs to take advantage of the opportunity here to protect citizens against online predators by regulating online gambling, and in doing so they will protect those that prey on unsuspecting players.

Derevensky is not the only academic calling for the legalization of online gambling. Another study undertaken by the University of Western Ontario found similar results. They agree that regulation, not prohibition, of online gambling is solely what will protect our underage and addicted gamblers.
 

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