Wasserman Schultz Statement on FY2017 Continuing Resolution

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution:

“I have mixed feelings of relief and frustration on behalf of my constituents and the entire State of Florida. After more than 900 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Florida, House Republicans finally allowed us to pass most of the emergency funding we need to curb this public health crisis. Tonight’s vote is a welcome start for Florida’s pregnant women, business owners and families affected by the Zika virus – but it has come many months later than it should have. President Obama, on the recommendation of our nation’s leading public health officials, requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight this virus more than seven months ago.

“I am glad that Floridians can now turn all of their focus on stopping the spread of Zika, and no longer fear that this Republican Congress will leave them high and dry in the face of this crisis. It is deeply disappointing that until now, Republicans have insisted that the most appropriate response to a virus that overwhelmingly affects pregnant women was to place a politically-motivated ban on funding for reproductive healthcare providers. When a crisis as broad and sweeping as the Zika virus hits, we must ensure our constituents, health care providers and local governments have every tool available to fight it. Instead of handcuffing our response to crises like this one, we should work in a bipartisan fashion to serve the public. Hopefully, we will put an end to this vicious cycle of irresponsible, political foot-dragging which jeopardizes lives.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on the passage of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA, of 2016:

“Tonight I cast my vote for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) tonight, which contains critical programs for my home state of Florida. WRDA contains the Central Everglades Project, which will provide over a billion dollars in federal and nonfederal funding to continue the essential work of restoring our beloved River of Grass. We must continue working in a bipartisan manner to restore water flow to the Everglades ecosystem, which provides critical fresh water essential to the daily lives of millions of Floridians and the future of our state. I’m also pleased that this bill includes authorization for the Port Everglades dredging project, which is nearly twenty years in the making. Port Everglades is in my Congressional district and I was proud to work for many years with my colleagues to finally achieve this critical economic milestone. The deepening and widening of Port Everglades’ channels will allow South Florida to receive cargo from larger ships and help boost our economy.

“But I did not vote in favor of WRDA without serious reservations over House Republicans’ obstructionism on helping the women, men and children of Flint, Michigan. For more than two years Flint’s residents have been exposed to lead in their water. As a mother of three children, I am truly outraged for the mothers in Flint who learned that the water their children have been drinking is dangerous and could have long-term effects on their development. I am glad that the House passed Rep. Dan Kildee’s amendment to give Flint some of the help it desperately deserves, but it has taken far too long for my Republican colleagues to drop their unconscionable treatment of that city.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today after the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres:

“Israel and the world have lost a man who was the truest definition of a public servant and someone who embodied Israel’s story. Shimon Peres served Israel and the world with dignity and distinction as he pursued the noble goal of peace in the Middle East and a two-state solution. He repeatedly sought peace for the Israeli people, while also serving critical roles in ensuring Israel’s right to defend herself from attacks.

“I had the good fortune to meet Prime Minister Peres several times. But, as the first Jewish woman to ever represent Florida in Congress, it was an extraordinary honor to meet with him in the Presidential Residence during a Congressional Delegation trip to Israel in 2010. During that trip, I led a bipartisan group of my colleagues on a journey through Israel and the Middle East to focus on the strength of the bonds between the U.S and Israel and our unwavering commitment to the Jewish state. We also focused on Peres’ treasured goal, which is the goal of so many Israelis, of a peaceful two-state solution.  Every time I met with him over the years it was inspirational to share his company and learn from him. He was the pride of the Jewish people both in Israel and the diaspora. May his memory be a blessing to his family, the Israeli people and the entire world.”

The Vice President met with the Presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

The Vice President met with the Presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in a series of engagements hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C.  Below I am sharing the English and Spanish versions of a Joint Statement issued by the leaders, as well as the Vice President’s remarks at the public plenary event.  Best regards, Dan

Joint Statement by the Presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and the Vice President of the United States:

English version:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/25/joint-statement-presidents-el-salvador-guatemala-and-honduras-and-vice

Spanish version: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/27/comunicado-conjunto-de-los-presidentes-de-el-salvador-guatemala-y

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Resolution Supporting Venezuela

 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H. Res. 851 which expresses profound concern about the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, urges the release of political prisoners, and calls for respect of constitutional and democratic processes:

“This resolution states in no uncertain terms that President Maduro’s shameful and rampant corruption in Venezuela must end. He has jailed political opponents, mismanaged the economy, and continued to refuse millions of Venezuelans calls for a referendum. Families all across Venezuela are starving, and their local stores’ shelves are empty of both food and life-saving medicine. The Venezuelan people are crying out for their voices to be heard and their rights respected, and we must ensure they are not crying out in vain. I thank my South Florida friend and colleague, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, as well as the bipartisan Members who supported the bill, for their leadership on this important legislation,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23).

“I am honored to stand alongside my South Florida colleague Debbie Wasserman Schultz in order to pass another bipartisan Venezuela resolution in the House of Representatives to condemn the misguided policies of Maduro’s corrupt regime while advocating for the release of all political prisoners, including U.S. citizens, and for the respect of democratic principles. We must not let Maduro continue to stall the democratic processes in Venezuela for his own political gain.  The humanitarian, economic, and political situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate quickly and the international community needs to re-focus its efforts to help the Venezuelan people who are yearning for freedom and for convening recall elections in 2016,” said. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27).

Read the resolution online.

Stronger Together Hillary Unity Luncheon with The Honorable Ted Deutch

 Join us for a

 Stronger Together

Hillary Unity Luncheon

with

The Honorable Ted Deutch

                                     

At the home of

Linda Bird

2790 NE 57 Court

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

North of Commercial Blvd., East of Federal Hwy.

 Saturday,October 1st 

Noon-2:00 PM

Please bring a dish to share.

Host Committee

Senator Nan Rich, Senator Eleanor Sobel,

Anne Castro, Former Mayor of Dania Beach

Mitchell Stollberg-Appleyard,  Nadezda Stefanovic,

Linda Bird and Stacy Boegem, FL & Broward Moms4HRC Co-Leads

RSVP to Carol Osno, carolopa@msn.com

 

Broward Hillary Office locations

Fort Lauderdale, Open Now - 1033 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pompano Beach, Open Now - 2720 W Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL

Sunrise, Open Now - 3519 N Pine Island Road, Sunrise, FL

Coral Springs, Open Now - 8035 W Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL

Tamarac. Open Now - 5467 N State Road 7, Tamarac, FL 

Hollywood, OPENING SOON - 2334 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL

Weston, Open Now - 1730 Main Street, Suite 210, Weston, FL

Pembroke Pines, OPENING SOON - 8190 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL

Broward Debate Watch Parties 09/26/2016

Deerfield Beach Debate Watch Party with Mothers of the Movement

WHERE: 660 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach

WHEN: 6PM-11PM (Phone bank first)

RSVP HERE

Pompano Beach Debate Watch Party

WHERE: Local 3080 Firefighter’s Union Hall, 304 NE 1st St, Pompano Beach

WHEN: 6PM-11PM (Phone bank first)

RSVP HERE

A Conversation with the Mothers of the Movement (Pompano Beach):

WHERE: E Pat Larkin Center, 520 NW 3rd St, Pompano Beach

WHEN: Arrive no later than 5:45 / Program will begin at 6:00PM

RSVP HERE

Oakland Park/Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Debate Watch Party

WHERE: The Sly Fox, 3537 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale

WHEN: 8PM-11PM

RSVP HERE

Lauderdale Lakes - Carribbean Americans Debate Watch Party

WHERE: The Garden, 4340 N State Rd 7, Lauderdale Lakes

WHEN: 7PM-10:30PM

RSVP HERE

Broward Hillary Office locations

Fort Lauderdale, Open Now - 1033 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pompano Beach, Open Now - 2720 W Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL

Sunrise, Open Now - 3519 N Pine Island Road, Sunrise, FL

Coral Springs, Open Now - 8035 W Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL

Tamarac. Open Now - 5467 N State Road 7, Tamarac, FL 

Hollywood, OPENING SOON - 2334 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL

Weston, Open Now - 1730 Main Street, Suite 210, Weston, FL

Pembroke Pines, OPENING SOON - 8190 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL

Rep. Deutch: “Bondi’s remarks raise more questions than they answer”

Bondi’s Trump Donation Remarks Reinforce Need For Justice Department Review

Deutch: “Bondi’s remarks raise more questions than they answer”

 In the wake of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's news conference this morning, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said her explanations "raise more questions than they answer" and called for an immediate federal investigation into potential violation of federal law by Bondi and Donald Trump.

This morning, Bondi stated that “there was not an investigation, at all” by her office into the dozens of complaints against Trump University that were filed  by former students with the Florida Attorney General’s office. She claimed today that “there was nothing improper” with her decisions and actions.

"Pam Bondi's murky answers only raise more questions than they answer," said Rep. Deutch. "There are timeline questions that must either be clarified by her or a federal investigator. If she in fact did 'nothing improper,' then the public needs to know exactly when she solicited the donation and if it was before or after her office decided not to join the New York case or initiate one independently. Bribery is a serious federal offense, and the Department of Justice needs to determine if Pam Bondi was paid to look the other way as Trump University was cleared of wrongdoing."

Bondi's comments this morning necessitate a fresh review of the timeline of events.

On August 25, 2013, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office would be filing a lawsuit against Trump University alleging fraudulent practices.

On August 29, 2013, the Orlando Sentinel asked Attorney General Bondi’s office whether it was considering joining New York’s lawsuit against Trump University.

On September 9, 2013, Trump Foundation illegally wrote a $25,000 check to Bondi’s political committee And Justice for All, for which it paid a $2,5000 fine to the IRS three years later.

On September 13, 2013, the Orlando Sentinel published a story that “Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's office is reviewing the New York lawsuit's allegations, to determine whether Florida should join the multi-state case.”

On September 17, 2013, Bondi’s political committee deposited Trump’s check.

On October 15, 2013, according to public records received by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Bondi's office stated that “there was no consideration of whether to join [the New York lawsuit]. In light of the fact that the Attorney General’s Office received only one consumer complaint 2.5 years ago, there is no investigation at this time.”

On October 17, 2013, the Miami Herald reported that Jenn Meale, Bondi's spokeswoman, stated that the Attorney General's office would not take action.

On July 29, 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that Donald Trump said during an interview that, "as a businessman and a very substantial donor to very important people, when you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do."

On September 13, 2016, the Democratic Members of the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch urging the Department of Justice to investigate alleged criminal misconduct, citing multiple federal laws regarding bribery.
Around two dozen complaints were filed by former Trump University students in Florida to the Florida Attorney General’s office, most of which preceded Bondi's term. According to the New York Times, Florida was second in the nation with 950 Trump University transactions and third in the country with national sales of $3.3 million.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Five Year Anniversary of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in the United States military:

“Today we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and its impact on our courageous women and men currently serving in the armed forces, and every young person who wishes to serve their country in uniform.

“The repeal of this policy was a major milestone to ensuring no one is denied an opportunity to serve in our armed forces because of their sexual orientation. We hope that all young people aspire to a career that helps enrich our nation, including serving in our armed forces. 

“Today we celebrate our active duty military members, veterans, LGBT sisters and brothers, and our children, who will grow up in a nation more inclusive and free for all of her people

Broward County Commissioners cut the property tax rate for FY2017 by one-percent

 

Broward County Commissioners cut the property tax rate for FY2017 by one-percent from the year before. Homeowners with a homestead exemption should see no increase in the county portion of their property tax bill.

Commissioners gave tentative approval to a FY2017 budget totaling $4.7 billion, which includes all tax supported and non-tax supported funds. The proposed one-percent reduction sets the FY2017 millage rate at 5.669. Overall the total budget increases by $505 million primarily due to key projects at Port Everglades, the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and Broward County Water and Wastewater services. These projects create jobs and economic development opportunities using enterprise funds that do not rely on taxpayer dollars for support.

Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Fund investments include $286 million to modernize and improve airport terminals and other infrastructure at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. Port Everglades moves forward with $55-million for projects to improve cargo and cruise passenger operations as Broward County continues its tradition as a world class seaport and airport. Infrastructure improvements in County water and sewer systems move forward with an $82-million dollar boost in FY 2017 funding.

The fiscal year ahead welcomes the opening of the new 40-thousand square foot Animal Care and Adoption facility and the new Pompano Beach Library, providing services for residents and visitors in state of the art buildings.

Innovative programs to address homelessness such as rapid rehousing, supportive and permanent housing and homeless assistance centers will benefit from an approved increase of $1.9 million. The FY2017 budget earmarks a total of $13 million for homelessness services.

The Broward Sheriff's Office will receive $460.2 million in FY2017, approximately half of all county property tax dollars received and a $24.2-million increase from the year before. Overall budgets for the Constitutional Offices and County Agencies (excluding the Property Appraiser's Office) increase by 5.5 percent.

The FY2017 budget won't be final until the public has a second opportunity to comment at a second and final public hearing on September 27th beginning at 5:01 p.m. at the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 422 in Fort Lauderdale.

Final budget approval is expected at the end of the meeting. The fiscal year 2017 budget begins on October 1, 2016.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Signing of United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the United States signed a new, 10 year Memorandum of Understanding with Israel:

“The signing of this new Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel is a significant and historic achievement for our two nations. It will extend our robust partnership with Israel, and ensure the Jewish state’s continued quantitative military advantage which is critical in a region with too many hostile actors who wish to destroy her. I am pleased that the new MOU is the largest bilateral aid package ever agreed upon which underscores our nation’s unwavering commitment to Israel. 

“As the first Jewish woman to ever represent Florida in Congress, and a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, my commitment to Israel’s long-term security is unyielding, and I am proud that this MOU reflects that commitment by providing not only foreign military assistance but also missile defense funding for the first time ever. With this sustained missile defense funding, Israel will have the resources and weapons required to defend herself for years to come.

“I congratulate President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the Israeli and American people on this historic agreement that helps secure both of our nations into the future, and reaffirms our strong and enduring friendship.”

Wasserman Schultz, Bipartisan Group of FL Members Send Letter to Governor Scott on Zika

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) led the following letter to Governor Scott urging him to advocate for a clean Zika funding bill during his visit to Washington, DC.

The letter was signed by: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27); Rep. Ted S. Deutch (FL-21); Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20); Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22); Rep. Patrick Murphy (FL-18); Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14); Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24); Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26); and Rep. Gwen Graham (FL-02).

The full text of the letter is below:

September 13, 2016

Governor Rick Scott

State of Florida

The Capitol

400 S. Monroe St.

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott:

As Members of Congress representing Florida, we urge you to call on Congress to pass a clean Zika supplemental funding bill. Floridians have overcome partisan politics and have stood as a united front against the spread of Zika, and we are asking you to continue this bipartisanship by urging Congressional leadership to provide the funding the President requested.

The stakes are too high to allow partisan riders to hold up this critical support, and existing funding is set to run out by the end of this month. The Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Tom Frieden, stated in no uncertain terms that researchers are dangerously close to running out of money, and that medically, it is unethical for them to begin clinical trials without knowing they can fully complete them. Without increased and sustained funding, Dr. Frieden will have to order researchers to stop before they can identify and test a vaccine.

There are over 300 cases of Zika in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, 84 of which involve pregnant women. For pregnant mothers in areas with Zika, not knowing whether one mosquito bite will dramatically alter their unborn child’s life is a daily fear, especially in South Florida, where mosquitos are year-round inhabitants.

The time to pass a clean funding bill is long overdue. The crisis is no longer on our doorstep – it is now in the homes of too many Floridians and Americans. We hope you will join us in our bipartisan fight for a clean funding bill that will help prevent the spread of the Zika virus and protect the wellbeing of our constituents.  

Sincerely,

To view a digital copy of the letter, please click this link.       

To read this release online, please click this link.

Hillary Clinton Meets with Bipartisan Group of National Security Officials

On Friday, Hillary Clinton convened a group of bipartisan National Security experts to discuss a number of global issues. The key focus of the group's discussion was defeating ISIS and combating terrorism. Following the meeting, Clinton held a press briefing during which she spoke about the importance of Republicans and Democrats working together on issues of national security. She also criticized Donald Trump saying that the experts she has spoken with are "chilled" by what Trump has said and proposed. A video of Clinton's remarks is below as is a release from Hillary for America about the meeting, including list of those who attended. Hillary Clinton today brought together a bipartisan group of distinguished national security officials to discuss the challenges our next commander-in-chief will face. Today’s conversation, which focused largely on defeating ISIS and the global network of terrorism, gave Clinton the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues with a wide range of experts with different background and diverse perspectives – something she has always been deeply committed to and will continue to seek as president. Clinton said, “We won't always see eye to eye, but when it comes to questions of war, peace and the safety of our country, we can't let party affiliations stand between us. We need to put partisanship aside and work together for the good of all of us. I know we can do it. I have seen it happen under both Republican and Democratic presidents. That will be my goal if I am elected this fall.” … Clinton added, “National security experts on both sides of the aisle are chilled by what they're hearing from the Republican nominee. That may be the number one reason why this election is the most important in our lifetime. So I'm not waiting until November, I'm bringing Democrats and Republicans together now because I plan to get right down to work on Day One. The stakes are too high, and the issues too serious for anything less than that level of preparedness. Americans should be able to count on their president and Commander-in-Chief to provide rational, confident and even keeled leadership, especially in tumultuous times like these so I'm very grateful to the men and women that I met with today -- experts with a broad range of understanding and willingness to share their insights-- and I look forward to receiving their advice in the days and weeks ahead.” Today’s conversation included a wide range of experts, including nonpartisan military leaders as well as top national security officials who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Working Session Participants: General John Allen, USMC (ret.), former Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, former Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (via videoconference) Rand Beers, former Deputy Homeland Security Advisor and former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Daniel Benjamin, Former Ambassador-at-large and Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State Ambassador Reuben Brigety, Former U.S. Ambassador to the AU, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Secretary Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security Richard Fontaine, former foreign policy advisor to Senator John McCain Chris Fussell, former Aide-de-Camp to then-Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal at the Joint Special Operations Command, former Navy Seal Kathleen Hicks, former Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security Michael Morell, former Acting Director and Deputy Director of the CIA Secretary Janet Napolitano, former Secretary of Homeland Security (via videoconference) Matt Olsen, former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) General David Petraeus, USA (ret.), former Director of the CIA, former Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (via videoconference) Admiral James Stavridis, USN (ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (via videoconference) Vikram Singh, Former Deputy Assistant secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Michael Vickers, former Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence This morning, the campaign also rolled out an updated list of 110 retired generals and admirals who have endorsed Hillary Clinton as the only candidate in this race prepared to be commander-in-chief, 15 of whom came out in the 48 hours after the Commander-In-Chief Forum. Clinton is honored by the overwhelming support of those who have served our country and looks forward to continuing these important national security discussions with bipartisan leaders in the coming months. In a new Hillary for America television ad released today, Hillary Clinton makes the case that the “Only Way” we solve problems is bringing people together like she did today. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her. News Source: The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNN

Hillary Clinton Apologizes for “Basket of Deplorables” Comment

Last night, Hillary Clinton made a comment during a New York fundraiser that has gotten negative press. In her remarks, Clinton spoke about the supporters of Donald Trump saying that half of them are a "basket of deplorables." Today, Clinton apologized for making the comment saying she was being "grossly generalistic." She went on to outline her criticisms of Trump saying that she understands that many of his supporters are hard working Americans that, if elected, she will work for because she wants to build a country that is "strong together." A copy of Clinton's statement is below. "Last night I was ‘grossly generalistic,’ and that's never a good idea. I regret saying ‘half’ -- that was wrong. But let's be clear, what's really ‘deplorable’ is that Donald Trump hired a major advocate for the so-called ‘alt-right’ movement to run his campaign and that David Duke and other white supremacists see him as a champion of their values. It's deplorable that Trump has built his campaign largely on prejudice and paranoia and given a national platform to hateful views and voices, including by retweeting fringe bigots with a few dozen followers and spreading their message to 11 million people. It's deplorable that he's attacked a federal judge for his ‘Mexican heritage,’ bullied a Gold Star family because of their Muslim faith, and promoted the lie that our first black president is not a true American. So I won't stop calling out bigotry and racist rhetoric in this campaign. I also meant what I said last night about empathy, and the very real challenges we face as a country where so many people have been left out and left behind. As I said, many of Trump's supporters are hard-working Americans who just don’t feel like the economy or our political system are working for them.  I'm determined to bring our country together and make our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top. Because we really are ‘stronger together.’" News Source: USA Today

The History of Online Gambling

                                                                                      

The internet cannot be overemphasized when we look at the number of ways it has influenced the world. One of those ways in which the internet has exerted its influence is in Online Casinos. The moment the opportunity to float casinos on the internet surfaced, a lot of casino operators tried to create a seat for themselves at the table which brought about different online casinos, sports bookmakers, and poker sites. This development has however, not been without its own challenges.

The middle of the 1990s brought about the very first sets of online casinos and this was around the time the Free Trade and Processing Act was passed by Antigua and Barbuda. This act made it possible for casino operators get the required licenses in starting an online casino.

When this act was passed, a technology company named Microgaming sprang up. This company was the first company to create a really functioning online gaming software. The company is standing up till today and is regarded on of the most trusted software providers in the internet gaming industry.

In Canada, another big leap was taken and this is the opening of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, a Mohawk Indian Tribal commission established to issue licenses to online gaming operators.

In 1996, he first casino opened online but there is an argument about which website was first and when it opened. Some sources claim it was InterCasino while some think it is GamingClub (created by Microgaming) and that it opened in late 1995. For the rest of the 1990s, online gaming became increasingly popular and irrespective of who was believed to be the first to come aboard, before the end of 1996, several others had come on board so it was no longer about who came first, it became about who got patronized more. Within a year the number of online casinos had reached 200 and by 1998, revenues from the industry had reached a staggering $830 million.

With the strong foothold online casino had gotten, sports betting came into play. InterTops came to be in 1996 and with the success they had, several others were willing to take advantage of this goldmine. Ideally there were offline sports betting businesses but they all started going online to expand their operations. These websites started with giving huge bonuses and free bets to attract new customers but then the variety and number of promotions increased and included things like cash back offers, contests that gave mouth-watering prizes, special odds. Over time, the sports betting industry matured and the promotions reduced but then some sites still offer them.

Around the year 2000, BetFair was launched. This site allowed players make bets between themselves and on whatever the players wagered, BetFair took a commission. In the year 2002, live betting was introduced. With live betting, players could place bets while the sporting event was actually going on. Live betting proved to be an exciting sports betting innovation and today, there are numerous events available in the live betting option. Now, players can place bets anywhere and any device now including mobile phones, tablets and any other mobile devices.

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There may be a history to online gambling, but it has been recognized in Europe that internet gambling is the right of any legal adult and everyone can do as they wish.