Government involved in Poker

[Rianna]

Did anyone see on the tube where the Gov is now (that the tournaments are successful)trying to get involved and hit the cables up for some serious money?

From whatI've heard I think it's an outrage...what business it it of the Governments to take money away from TV tournaments in the name of "Gambling"?

Will this be the end of the wonderful and interesting TV tournaments as we know them? If they get away with this, where will they stop?

I think it's outragious and that poker is simply none of their business.

ANY comments are greatly appreciated.

Rianna

[Kevmath]

It's just some random politician trying to get themselves a little publicity. I can't see any possible way this will happen.

Kevin...

[sammysusar]

can you post a link to a story?

[Rianna]

I'm very sorry I dont have a link. It WAS ALL over the news today BIG time. Must have listened to it 25 times. Srry but it made me furious.

What right does the gov. have to legislate the enjoyment of others'...this is a free society...if people want to spend their money in a poker game what right does the gov. to TAX them? Isnt the IRS enough?

I personally love the TV tourneys but can see this bill killing them. I can only hope your right about someone just trying to get attention. As if congress has nothing better to do than kill american poker (at least on TV)

Thank you for your response.

Rianna

[Niediam]

Ever hear of the Constitution and its Amendments? [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

Artilce I, Section 8, of the US Constitution states:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

I don't see the words "except on poker related income" anywhere.

Now, I'm the first one to debate the ethics of taxing income in general and the first one to suggest that powers of taxation should be limited (by limiting the activities of government), but that's philosophical. The legal right (aka the power to do so)of the government to tax is clearly stated right there.

[johnfromvirginia]

I'm not sure, but I don't think we're talking about a tax on "poker related income." All income from a televised poker tournament is already subject to tax. Everything the players, casinos and broadcasters make is, under current law, taxable income. I was under the impression we were talking about some sort of additional tax on televised tournaments, but I haven't seen the story.

[Rianna]

Yes Ive heard of both the constitution AND taxes, THATS NOT WHAT WE ARE AT ALL TALKING ABOUT.

John is correct in his post. They want to now take serious money from the companies that are putting on the tournaments on TV. I believe it sets a very bad precedant and what companies would want to sponsor ANY form of poker if the government has their pocket in it. Please think about it...once it happens, I think it's the beginning of the end of at least poker on TV.

NO problem with paying taxes, thats not the issue, because its "poker", the gov. is going to try to get a piece of the pie (and IMHO may very well destroy the pie).

Any comments are welcome, thank you.

Rianna

[Dynasty]

[ QUOTE ]
They want to now take serious money from the companies that are putting on the tournaments on TV...the gov. is going to try to get a piece of the pie (and IMHO may very well destroy the pie).

[/ QUOTE ]

Somebody post a link so that the number of people who think the original poster is a rambling nutcase is held to a minimum. At least if we get a coherent story about what was said, a real discussion can be had.

[Niediam]

Just like the gas tax has made everybody buy bicycles... and the cig takes has made everybody stop smoking... and the tax on alcohol has made... er nevermind. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]