Online Gambling has been frowned upon by some U.S. politicians for quite some time. First, The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006, which made it complicated to transfer money between U.S. bank accounts and of-shore gambling companies. It didn't, however, make gambling illegal as such. But now, voices are raised to criminalize online gambling.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has stated that he wants to see jail sentences up to two years for everyone who plays casino and poker games online. On top of that, he wants these "criminals" to pay $25,000 in fines.

Although these suggestions might sound ridiculous to anyone who plays online casino games, this law is already a reality in Washington State, which makes online gambling a Class C felony.

Patrick wants to allow three casinos in the state of Massachusetts - brick-and-mortar ones of course - and some claim that the reason for the bill is not to prevent people from gambling, but to monopolize the whole industry. Barney Frank, Patrick's fellow democrat, strongly criticizes the plan to punish a few gamblers and at the same time invite others to open casinos. "Why is gambling in a casino OK while Internet gambling is not?" Frank said.

There is no good answer to that question. And hopefully, all U.S. politicians will realize that soon. It is impossible to stop a billion dollar business no matter how hard you try. If people want to gamble on the Net, they'll find ways to do it.