234 0

Utah Battles Underage Online GamblingRepublican U.S. Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah is doing everything he can to try to keep online gambling from continuing in their state. In 2011, the Department of Justice permitted online gambling in the state of Utah.

Why is this such a big concern? Well apparently, there has been a slew of underage online gambling going on throughout the state. TheHill.com quotes what Chaffetz told Newsweek, “I am afraid that if we don’t move quickly and get some decent regulations in place, which we really don’t have right now, it will be too late to stop it from reaching all the states.” Cheffetz was really concerned about “slots for tots” or gambling sites that have games that may appeal to children. “Many parents already can see how easy it is for a kid to get addicted to a video game that does not involve money. You put them on the internet and they are gambling with money, now you have a real problem.”

Of course, there are those who are trying to keep it permitted as well. They feel that online gambling is the next wave of gambling. They are trying to reassure the naysayers that with updates and new technologies, there are more ways to prevent minors from getting involved with online gambling. Chaffetz does not feel that comfort. He told Newsweek that, “In the physical world of brick and mortar casinos, it’s easy to see a 13-year old on a casino floor. On the internet, there are no physical barriers, nothing stopping a child from becoming an addict.”

Here I was, worried when my nephew started playing Candy Crush.

In this article

Join the Conversation