Maybe some day Congress will get it. It’s a simple concept that William F. Buckly once explained in a conference at my college more than a decade ago…
Legalize It
Regulate It
Tax It
That’s the only way for everyone involved to win except for organized crime. This speech was regarding the legalization of drugs, and it was especially surprising to hear a right wing guy like Buckley come out in favor of legalization.
The same rules apply to online gambling. There is a $12 Billion (with a 
industry that is largely supported by US consumers. Currently they are forced to play at unregulated online casinos, poker rooms and others. If the US were smart about it, they would legalize it, then they can regulate it, resulting in a safer activity and the ability to help people who do have problems. Then the best part is the tax dollars that results from it, not to mention the dollar savings for the efforts to fight it. This also serves to cut out any of the organized crime or terrorist components that the government is currently concerned with.
The conservative right just has to get over their fear of gambling in society and just accept the fact that it is a part of the fabric of society. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing when approached in a responsible manner.
Ok, off my soapbox now.