From: Ad 

Mike N. wrote:
> On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 19:58:12 -0400, "Mark"
 wrote:
>
>> Yea, the electronic gambling people want to be damn sure they get every red
>> cent they can scoff up, the politicians know they'll get it all, and more,
>> no matter who wins.
>
>    Ever wonder what Aliens would think of the US societal view of gambling?
>        -  Gambling is OK in Las Vegas
>       - Gambling is NOT OK in your backyard
>       - Gambling is OK for the state-run lottery
>       - Gambling is NOT OK when your local bartender runs it
>      - Gambling is OK on an indian reservation
>      - Gambling is NOT OK on the internet
>      - Gambling is OK at certain sanctioned racetracks
>
>     Basically, it comes down to "Gambling is OK if the government is the
> bookie or a direct beneficiary"

Was the case here for ages. The gov used to run the bookies called the
"tote". Well it still does but it's looking to get out of
gambling except in foreign affairs of course 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3232952.stm

"One of the most enduring symbols of British racing is to be sold off
by the Labour government as part of a commitment made in its 2001 General
Election manifesto.

The Tote, or Horserace Totalisator Board, was founded by Winston Churchill
in 1928 as a safe haven for punters, controlled by the state, and beyond
the reach of illegal bookmakers.

It enjoys a monopoly of horse race pool-betting in exchange for a guarantee
that money is pumped into the sport every year.

Recently the Tote announced half-year profits had jumped 39% to œ9.2m, with
turnover up by over 50% to almost œ700m.

With privatisation now on the way, and sale to a horse racing trust, the
Tote is poised for an even stronger new lease of life. "


Adam

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