Minus Index Starts First Week Down Despite Internet Gaming
The minus index started out positive, but it did not do well for it’s first weekly update. The index failed to keep up with the broader markets for the week, despite the introduction of a bill that could legalize and tax internet gambling 
Overall the the index was down .01% point for the week compared to 0.65% for the S&P 500, 1.22% on the Nasdaq and 1.23% against the dow.
I think it’s crazy that people are allowed to invest capital in the stock markets, but they can’t make a bet online. If I go to a poker house I can gamble, but if I’m there and I’m using an internet connection then I’m breaking the law if I play online. These rules make no sense and need to be rethought.
I don’t give Frank’s bill much of a chance of passing, but if it did pass, I’m not sure if it would really be good for the Minus Index or not. On one hand it would open up potential markets to many of the companies in the pool, but on another level it would also open up their industry to a new breed of competition. The internet has done a good job of commoditizing the pricing for many industries and if it weren’t for many of these laws, I’m not sure that the casinos could earn the commissions that they charge.
Regardless of it’s impact though, I’d like to see online gaming legitimatized. I don’t think that whether or not someone is allowed to bet, should be based on their geography.