Hello C-Punks: (nb This is posted anonymously because I had this idea the implementation of which would be (probably) illegal. I'm not sure whether putting my name to the idea would be a good idea for the reason that I can't be sure that I wouldn't be implicated under the overbroad "conspiracy" or "Rico" powers which are oh so popular as a way of putting people away for thought crimes. This message will in any case have appeared via a couple of foreign remailers on it's way. I am proud of the idea, but I appreciate those of you who know who I am keeping quiet about it, as I'm just being prudent, and extra cautious. The idea.....Out of state gambling, Internet style - lets give them a taste of whats to come. You may recall that a short time before Pres. Clinton got elected, the Wall Street Journal had an article about gambling taking place in Moscow and London on the outcome of the election. The story told by the article was that the bookmakers in London had more up to date and better info. than Gallup and Roper obtained with all their phone polls. The London bookie's accuracy was vindicated by the outcome, as Clinton won, and by the predicted margin. Ahhh...The power of the free market. Makes sense too, if it's your own money on the line rather than someone else's phone call (during a meal, of course) I wander how many US bets were placed in England (covertly, via friends etc.). The internet casino, which will soon be open for business - <http://www.casino.org> - adds a new Internet related twist to this. Could someone, perhaps a furriner, perhaps talk to the folks at casino.org and see if they would be willing to open a book on presidential election outcomes. Or perhaps organize something with an enterprising London/Moscow gambling house, preferably with fast IP feed, and constantly updated odds on the web. The Internet Casino is advertising that they will be having their "Grand Opening" on August 18. My aim is to make cheap, timely & accurate poll predictions, not to encourage contravention of the gambling laws, which are, after all, oh so important to protecting life as we know it. If some people choose to avoid these laws I disclaim all resposibility, but the anon. remailer is insurance that all of you will feel the same way. The aim in writing this short missive to cpunks is to encourage someone who is more able legally to help this idea happen. Just attempting to add some substance to Tim's sig. quote, about national borders being merely "speed bumps", my ideal implementation would see lots of e$ bets, cpunk-remailers, and (for US citizens) strong encryption. Any suggestions for books? I've got a few (besides the obvious, "Who Wins"?) such as: Which Republican will win the nomination? Will "Speaker Newt" run. Will "Moneybag$" enter the race? If so, will he drop out and enter again? Any comments on the practical and legal issues (such as exactly what laws I'm violating) or on getting publicity for such a scheme? This might be easier than we think, as the media [at least the WSJ] is well aware of the bookie's superior accuracy & lower cost. Thank you.