In each case, too, there is the danger that instant legislative responses might produce ineffective, possibly unconstitutional laws that gain publicity but do not yield meaningful or positive social change. Gambling on the Internet presents, then, problems that are, in many senses, common. But there are idiosyncrasies and significant differences. While the dollar estimates for many uses of the Internet rise to the apocalyptic, the figures for Internet gaming are particularly impressive. Already legalized gambling institutions cities like Las Vegas, riverboat gambling in Mississippi, church-sanctioned gambling, and casinos on Indian reservations elements of a huge existing industry, could be affected, transformed, or rendered obsolete by Internet gambling.
Addiction is a serious problem, with huge problems of policing credit.
And as in other areas, domain names for web sites are part of a struggle for cuteness and brand identification. There s also eBet Ltd., which lists on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Playboy Enterprises has established a make-believe casino at its web site, so it will be ready if and when the time comes for such a US Internet existence that does not transgress any law. Just as Internet gaming is a feverish experiment in new software, patents, and marketing, Internet gaming law is a complex work in progress. At least four states Nevada, Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas have enacted specific laws barring Internet gambling.