Although the current government of Ontario, under Premier Dalton McGuinty, has been known to stand against measures such as alcohol sales at corner markets, considerations are being made for Internet gambling. The difference ethically between the two, according to McGuinty, is that corner alcohol sales can be controlled, whereas online gambling is already taking place, and will continue to do so.

Presently, gaming efforts in the province produces around $1.9 billion a year. By expanding and supporting online gambling, that revenue could significantly increase. However, according to recent studies, more than one-third of the current gaming revenue comes from people that have moderate to severe gambling addictions. Critics of the option feel this issue needs to be addressed. Some are even saying that the current government is like a person with a gambling addiction. They say the government is addicted to revenue and everything it does is in order to make money.

While generating revenue certainly is an important aspect of government, the argument lies whether online gambling is the best option to do so. Some of the other provinces have already begun online gaming ventures, and Quebec has recently announced the plan for an online poker site opening this fall. The plan of Quebec is for their new online site to take away business from illegal Internet gambling sites. They are projecting gains around $50 million by 2012.

Whether or not Ontario will choose to increase revenues through this method is unknown at this time. It is certainly being considered however.

Will Internet Gambling Help Ontario?

Its lawmakers, desperately searching for ways to cover huge budget deficits, are currently pushing through legislation to legalize gambling. It comes at the same time that the income from tourism is being badly bruised by a global recession, effects of which might be lasting for years to come.

Actually, Hawaii, besides Utah, is the only state that does not permit gambling. Many are wondering why not when even Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and Maryland have introduced or even extended their gambling legislation during the past year.

Opponents to gambling are stating how the islands reputation as a family-friendly destination will be tarnished, as well as that the social problems, such as crime, will certainly increase. Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling is stating that most people that come to Hawaii are not there ‘to be shut up inside casinos’ and that legalizing slot machines will certainly change island’s allure.

Yet, by some estimates, hundreds of thousands of current Hawaii residence are now forced to fly to other countries in order to engage in gambling, leaving their cash outside of the island and its economy. And they are the side who, supported by the economical crisis and a heavy lobbing by international casinos, will probably win.

The man has set up a website for those who want to be considered for a donation again this year. There is no deadline for video submissions. He asks families who are in dire financial need to submit videos explaining why they need the money. He will pick the family that touches his heart the most. He asks that those looking for publicity leave him alone.

The blackjack gambler has stated he will fly the family he chooses to Las Vegas. They will be invited to watch him play in a high stakes game, whether he wins or loses, he will pay at least half of their bills. Robin Hood’s good friend is offering to match the final cash donation. He will not be gambling to earn the money.

This man who is apparently a master black jack player has decided to give all of his earnings from the table to a family in need. He sees the struggle that there is out there right now and he wants to help people in any way he can. One of his best skills is playing blackjack, so that is how he helps the families escape their debt.

The cool thing most people seem to enjoy about this situation is that he is doing this without seeking press attention. The gentleman is using ‘Robin Hood 702′ as a cover.

‘Robin Hood 702′ is getting ready to pick out another family to help out get out of financial ruin using his skills.

He claims he will pick the story that he finds to be the most compelling. You can upload a video to ‘Robin Hood 702”s blog in order to see if you will be the next family he will help.

'Robin Hood 702' A Gambling Hero

The last family he helped had a daughter who was struggling with brain cancer. The family’s medical bills had put them into massive debt.

Seebeck went to play on $4 slot machine in the Tampa casino. The slot’s maximum jackpot was either $2500 or $90,000. But to Bill’s surprise, the machine read he won $166,666,666.65!

According to  the New Times Seebeck never saw his winnings.

ABC reported “Seebeck says he is looking for a lawyer to help him comprehend the convoluted federal Indian gaming regulations to possibly pursue legal action”.

According to officials at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, the maximum possible jackpot possible on the machine Bill Seebeck played was $90,000, well short of the $166 million jackpot.

Should the casino pay Seebeck because of a “machine malfunction?”

UPDATE:

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino released the following statement:

“The Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa has made an offer to William Seebeck, and he has accepted, recognizing that the slot machine he was playing on Sunday malfunctioned, in what can be best described to the layman as a “computer glitch.” The maximum payout on the Ultimate Party Spin machine played by Seebeck is $99,000, although his bet of $1.50 at the time of the malfunction could have generated a maximum payout of only $2,500, with the right combination. Determination of a malfunction was made by representatives of the machine’s manufacturer

and software provider, according to established gaming industry standards, with confirmation from an independent third-party laboratory analysis. The casino has opted to settle this matter for an undisclosed amount as a good faith gesture, and we look forward to welcoming Mr. Seebeck on future visits.”

Casino: No Jackpot, Millions Denied