Internet Gambling Ban

The US Congress last October tacked on a bill to an Anti-terrorism bill which effectively bans online gambling. Now I do not believe the government should be telling people what they can and cannot do with their money in this way. First of all many, the majority of states, have some type of gambling whether it is the lottery, horse racing, dog racing, or casinos on and off Native American lands. This bill however was pushed specifically for the purpose of shutting down Internet poker sites. The bill somehow also managed to have loop holes in it for online horse racing bets. So it's fine to bets on a horse race but if you want to put up your own money to play a game of Blackjack or Texas Hold 'Em you can now be prosecuted for a Class C felony.
Now I do play poker online but it is at a site where you have chips, not cash. Basically pretend money. But I do not believe the government should on one hand endorse gambling, lotteries, casinos and cities such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, All over Mississippi and Louisiana then turn around and say that you cannot wager the same money from home on your own computer that you paid for and over an Internet connection you also paid for.
Yes I understand that some people have gambling problems but that is not an issue which should be related across the board to everyone who wants to participate online. Those with problem must either recognize they have a problem or someone close who cares about them must intervene and help them see their problem. But because some people cannot control their urges does not mean everyone should have to stop this form of entertainment.
Here is a CNET article about the bill. This is just the government once again getting too involved in the daily activities of Americans. This is one step closer to becoming a socialist regime instead of a free republic, and yes it is a Republic not a Democracy if you do not understand the difference let me know and I will point you in the right direction for information on the differences.
The fact that this bill was tacked onto an Anti-terrorism bill is just disgusting and another reason these earmarks and hidden bills should not be allowed to piggy back on other legislation. Do a search for US Congress earmarks and research how much money is wasted by legislators sending back pork spending to their districts on the back of real legislation.

http://news.com.com/House+votes+yes+on+Net-gambling+crackdown/2100-1030_3-6092852.html