With the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, many people have fallen into the camp of one candidate or another. The one candidate who should probably have been receiving support from most players is Republican congressman Ron Paul. Paul, of all the candidates, has been the most outspoken in his opposition to the current online gambling legislation (anti-online gambling is perhaps a better description.)

How Does Ron Paul Feel About Online Gambling?

Paul is on record as being opposed to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which makes it illegal for U.S. financial institutions to transact with online casinos (there are, however, a few U.S. casino rooms still available. His position, a classic Republican position, is that the market for free trade should not be interfered with. He also poses that prohibition has never worked, and that criminalizing a desired commodity only increases the cost, since the demand remains the same. Although Paul personally opposes gambling, he recognizes that Americans have the right to make their own choices, even if they are choices that Republican congressmen might find morally objectionable.

How Can Poker Players Support Ron Paul?

Unfortunately, Paul does not appear to be enough in line with the current neo-conservative tenor of the Republican party to gain the nomination. However, poker players everywhere can continue what Paul started, by joining the Poker Players Alliance and by contacting their own congresspeople and letting them know how the people feel about having their rights to play online poker restricted.

What is the Political Future of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

With the political climate changing to a more progressive atmosphere, things may improve for online gamblers in the U.S. in the future. It is likely that online poker players will be the first recipients, since poker can be classified as a game of skill, but hopefully one day all online gambling will follow suit.