Senator Proposes Use of Internet Gambling Revenue to Help Fund Health Care Reform – commentary

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The article discusses Senator Ron Wyden’s 2009 proposal to use revenue generated from regulating internet gambling to help fund health care reform in the United States. Wyden proposed dedicating taxes collected from regulated online gambling to increase subsidies for low-income Americans under the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009. According to an analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers, this could generate up to $62.7 billion over the next decade, providing a valuable funding source for health care initiatives.​

The article highlights that the proposed Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267), introduced by House Chairman Barney Frank, creates a framework for licensed gambling operators and enforces protections against problem gambling, underage betting, fraud, and money laundering. Companion legislation by Representative Jim McDermott (H.R. 2268) aims to ensure proper tax collection on online gambling activities, redirecting funds currently lost to unregulated offshore operators back into the U.S. economy.

Supporters of the proposal, including the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, argue that regulated internet gambling offers a win-win solution: increased consumer protections, better oversight, and a significant new revenue stream to address pressing needs like health care.​

In summary, the article emphasizes the potential for legalizing and regulating online gambling to generate substantial funds for health care reform, while protecting players through strict regulatory measures and consumer safeguards.