STRUTT>>>not looking good for you...... Gambling Cruises To be Taxed: Lawmakers

Dante · Nov 23, 2003

November 22,2003

Some lawmakers think the state should tap into the cash generated by those popular ''cruises to nowhere'' off the coast of Florida.

State legislators say since Florida is wrestling with a tight budget, they think the gambling cruises should contribute to the state's tax base.

More than three-and-a-half million passengers took such cruises last year. But under current law, there is no requirement to pay the state a share of their gambling proceeds.

Some lawmakers believe it's time the ''cruises to nowhere'' had the same regulations as onshore gambling operations. Republican Senator Charlie Clary thinks the idea is worth discussing in a tough budget year.

Currently, federal law prohibits states from taxing or regulating offshore gambling. So the state is considering imposing a ''head tax'' on each passenger who boards a casino ship. @@

Fishhead · Nov 23, 2003

IntuitionBET · Nov 23, 2003

dante - Actually this could be a blessing in disguise.

Let the state of Florida start taxing offshore gambling this way with these gambling cruise ships, as it may lead us in the right direction.

Because if they generate some tax revenue other states and/or politicians like Barney Frank can then say "Hey look at this! We are losing some big dollars in tax revenue" and "maybe we should look differently at this offshore gambling boom".

Once our gov't sees there is a REAL revenue stream there, and if it involves enough citizens that are paying this head tax or whatever, and if one(1) state is already collecting the tax then all others will want to follow, and offshore gambling will be looked at under a different light.

maybe

vinividivinci · Nov 23, 2003

Intuition Bet

Don't know about you, or anybody else, but I pay plenty of taxes already! We don't need to give 'em another way to get in our pockets!!

VVV

vinividivinci · Nov 23, 2003

Plus, imagine what percentage you would have to hit to breakeven after taxes!

VVV

IntuitionBET · Nov 23, 2003

vinividivinci - You're not looking at the big picture here.
Yes we all pay allot of taxes but this is the first time a state is considering taxing Offshore gambling.

And if it's only "per head" or "per passenger" what are they going to charge? $5 or $10 ?

vinividivinci · Nov 23, 2003

Intuition Bet

With all respect, I think it is you that is ignoring the big picture. Just look at the history of tax increases and you will see what I mean.

A "per head" $5 or $10 tax on these gambling boats does not begin to compare to taxing internet gambling. Think it through. You do NOT want the IRS looking over your shoulder while you are trying to cap the games.

In our lifetimes, we will not see internet gambling legalized. Our best hope is for them to just leave us alone. Another new tax is not the answer.

VVV

IntuitionBET · Nov 23, 2003

vinividivinci - First of all I hope you are paying taxes on any income you may recieve from gambling income.

And to say "Internet gambling will NEVER be legalized in our lifetime" is a bit much.

YES it will be because there is way too much tax revenue involved once it is regulated. And just because it will be taxed isn't that big of a deal. It didn't hurt Las Vegas. And the tax revenue that gambling pulls in there creates even more jobs and even lowers taxes in other areas for the citizens that live there.

If there is a tax on offshore gaming the bulk of it will be paid by the operators and not by the players. Players of course will have to pay taxes on income just like they do in Nevada and Atlantic City.

The bottom line is this offshore gaming industry will never be regulated without a tax, or some sort of regulation fee etc.

vinividivinci · Nov 23, 2003

Intuition Bet

Hope all your dreams come true. Hope the IRS doesn't take them away once you get them.

I stand on what I said. Internet gambling will not be legalized in our lifetime. I'm not saying it might not be a good idea, just that it won't happen.

Frankly, I don't need any more regulation of anything in my life. In fact, I could make a pretty long list of things I'd like to see unregulated. I don't want to have to go to Ted Kennedy to resolve a problem between me and a book.

As long as you stay with top-tier books you will be just fine. Regulation will not make shit books stronger. Just look what regulation has done for the airlines!

If a book is properly capitalized and has the will to pay, you are in pretty good shape!

VVV

kyhawk · Nov 23, 2003

Break out the platinum card sir. Lets get fukin wasted.

IntuitionBET · Nov 23, 2003

vinividivinci - I agree with you about the top tier books like Pinnacle etc.

But if some of these politicians get their way they may take away all payment methods and then how do you get your money offshore?

vinividivinci · Nov 23, 2003

Intuition Bet

I understand your concern about getting money to the offshore bookies. I am more concerned about getting it back!

Frankly, now that there is so little variety in solid offshore lines, in my opinion all of this will evolve eventually to the benefit of the locals.

VVV

Phaedrus · Nov 24, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Some lawmakers believe it's time the ''cruises to nowhere'' had the same regulations as onshore gambling operations. Republican Senator Charlie Clary thinks the idea is worth discussing in a tough budget year.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's an amusing sentiment coming from the Florida state government, given that "onshore gambling" is illegal in Florida unless it's run by the state, as in the case of the stupidity tax, er, lottery.

Fvcking government. Fvcking taxes. Why not cut spending? That's also a way to meet a budget. When I figure my bills up each month I do not have the luxury of just taking money from my neighbour if I'm short.

Phaedrus

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