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State of
Wisconsin
"Simply stated, if you play poker outside of the 27 tribal
casinos, either at a social game or on the Net, you are committing a misdemeanor."
Gaming
in Wisconsin
Gambling is a big business in the
State of Wisconsin, generating billions in revenues from tribal casino and bingo
halls, live greyhound and simulcasting and live horse racing parks and
the state lottery. According to the American Gaming
Association’s 2006 State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino
Entertainment, Wisconsin as of December 2005 was the home 11 tribes which
sponsored 27 tribal
casinos and bingo halls. In addition, the state has two modern greyhound
racing parks with a full range of pari-mutual betting options and simulcasting.
One park has horse racing. The state lottery in the fiscal year ended June
30, 2005, paid out $262 million in prizes and provided the state $132 million in
property tax relief.
Criminal Code:
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is one of only a handful of states to
specifically prohibit Internet gambling, as well as social gambling. Players can be prosecuted
for a misdemeanor and Internet gambling sites face felony prosecution for
aggravated gambling.
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13
October 2006, President signs H.R. 4954: Security and
Accountability For Every Port Act ("SAFE Port Act"), which SAFE Port Act incorporated
Title VIII--Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.
Title VIII added in conference committee. Earlier, the House passed the SAFE Port
Act: ayes-421, nays-2 and not voting-9 and the Senate passed the SAFE Port Act:
ayes-98, nays-0 and not voting-2.
