Monthly Archives: June 2021

Connecticut governor signs online gambling bill into law – World Casino Directory

Posted: June 4, 2021 at 3:17 pm

Just a few days ago, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6451 into law. Online sports betting, casino, and poker games are now legalized in the state. The change is a big one for the poker community, as online poker is often left out of iGaming legislation in the US. Connecticut is now the 7th state in the US to have regulated iPoker gaming.

Class III Gaming Compact Changes

With the new legislation, the Class III gaming compact of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe is changed. These tribes are responsible for the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Foxwoods facility in the state.

Both tribes will be allowed to offer all formats of online gaming, including poker. It is still unclear as to how the tribes will offer poker gaming. Will they try to keep operations in-house and go with a proprietary platform?

Perhaps the tribes will decide to work with a top operator in the online poker industry such as PokerStars or partypoker? Right now, no information has been provided as to what the tribes plan on doing when it comes to online poker services.

There is no doubt that major companies like PokerStars will hope to be able to enter into the state of Connecticut. It will be interesting to watch and see which brands try to garner the attention of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes for a potential partnership.

In a press release, Governor Lamont commented on the law by stating:

By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future.

Moving Forward

There is still legal action to consider even though the bill has been signed into law. The Bureau of Indian Affairs within the U.S. Department of Interior must still approve the tribal compact amendments. When the approval is given, the tribes can then start to set up the new services in the state.

The tribes look forward to getting started as the new services will help tribal members as well as the residents of the state. Rodney Butler, the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot tribe pointed out that gaming is more than business to the tribe. The services help the tribe to fund its government, pay for the education needs of children, as well as care for the elderly. Funds are also used to provide healthcare to tribal members.

More here:

Connecticut governor signs online gambling bill into law - World Casino Directory

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Connecticut governor signs online gambling bill into law – World Casino Directory

The Jeux Casino and Australia Online Casino – Programming Insider

Posted: at 3:17 pm

TO SIGN UP FOR OUR DAILY EMAIL NEWSLETTER, CLICK HERE

These games are mainly known as games of chances and gambling. To play and win this game you have to bet with real money and need to guess the possible outcomes. You can find these unrevealed large selections of the paid online betting game at the best online site. We have a variety of games like Vegas plus, Monte cryptos, royal rabbit, jack twenty-one, Lucky Luke, and many more games. Playing games online offers you a luxury enjoyment of betting, that to with the comfort of your home. Nowadays it is very easy to navigate from anywhere instantly. This game offers you French players over more than eight hundred games.

Gaming for Free

Jeux casino games can be played for free. If you are new to this then you should go with the free game. Once you are experienced in this game you can go with the process of real money betting. While playing this game you can get exclusive bonuses and rewards with real cash. Just controlling your phone on your hand and sitting comfortably at your favorite corner of your home and playing the games give you a reliable comfort zone. You can play this game not only on your pc you can play it on your phone also.

Guide for Gambling

If you need the best guide to play this game, we are here to guide you further. Our guide will help you to play the game in a simple and smart method. First, you need to establish your budget, just determine your budget before you start the betting process with real money. Youre this budget will specify the amount with which you are prepared to play and may lose or can win also. Its better to do it when you are done with your monthly expenses. And the most important thing which choosing the right and perfect betting site for you. You will get to see several types of betting games. You should choose the game with which you are comfortable and with which you will be happy to bet your real money. But always remember the rule and the basic way of the games before you bet with real cash. Then you just need to understand the odds of your winning.

Australian Style of Gambling

Australian online casino is the most trusted guide for betting games. Our betting games include pokies, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, scratch card, money wheels, and more. Where ever you are, you will find the best betting site to play for your betting. You will get a wide range of betting games, safe banking option with huge bonuses. We will also guide you with the game process and your betting process, and with our guidance, you can win the game.

Top Rated Games to Play

The top-rated games on our site are Lotto, craps, video poker, sic boo, keno, bingo. Our team spends hours on all the boxes for real money betting. We provide the best security for your betting. We are the most recommended and reliable site of guide on betting. We secure your online gambling, we provide the licensed betting site for you for your banking security, you can also win jackpots on the appropriate site which are provided by us. And our customer service is much helpful and friendly.

See the article here:

The Jeux Casino and Australia Online Casino - Programming Insider

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on The Jeux Casino and Australia Online Casino – Programming Insider

Top-Rated Pay Per Head Sites Flourish With Online Gambling Growth – The Tico Times

Posted: at 3:17 pm

The coronavirus pandemic had a major impact on the casino and sports betting industry for most of last year. Land-based casinos and retail sportsbooks lost a large chunk of business through business shutdowns followed by capacity restrictions that lingered into this year.

The lone bright side to the situation was the explosion in growth of online casino and sportsbook sites. This also proved to be a major financial boon to independent bookmakers working closely with a top-rated pay per head bookie services site.

Referred to as the pay per head industry, bookie services sites provide everything needed to fully automate an independent bookmaking business while also running and managing it online. They only charge a weekly fee for active betting customers.

The first pay per head sites started offering proprietary software solutions to local bookies around the same time the first commercial offshore sportsbooks expanded their reach through online betting platforms that could cater to the US market.

While similar in nature, pay per head sites gave private bookies the ability to level the playing field against the big commercial books. The primary reason why the private bookie industry continues to thrive today with the help of PPH services is the higher level of customer service and personal attention to detail that they can provide and the big commercial sportsbooks can never match.

To this day, Costa Rica remains the center of the universe for pay per head bookie services. Top-rated sites such as Real Bookies, PayPerHead247 and A1 Price Per Head are all based in this country.

The ownership group behind these top-rated sites have strong ties to Costa Rica and the countrys favorable business climate. This high level of stability has created the proper environment for the entire pay per head industry to thrive given the rapid shift towards online gambling in general.

In the same vein as offshore sportsbooks operating an online betting platform, PPH services give private bookies the necessary software solutions to turn a sports betting business into an online gambling site covering multiple verticals.

Sports Betting

Sports betting still generates the bulk of the revenue earned by private bookies. Football and basketball remain the biggest draws, especially when it comes to the NFL and NBA as major professional sports leagues.

However, a pay per head site gives bookies the chance to fully build-out a betting board with access to numerous sports and sporting events. Most of the top per head sites employ in-house sports betting experts while also working with the best external line setting services to generate a wide variety of betting options on a daily basis.

Along with fast and easy access to a wide array of betting lines and odds, private bookies also have access to the proper software tools to manage that betting board. This takes all the guess work out of moving lines, making changes to the board and adjusting betting and credit limits.

Racebook for Horse Betting

The popularity of horse racing received a huge boost last year as one of the only live sporting events to bet on. Pay per head racebook solutions for horse betting offer easy access to any race track running a live daily card.

Considering that there are more than 70 race tracks in North America alone, this added stream of revenue can boost both cash flow and net profit on a year-round basis. This can really pay some big dividends when major betting events such as the Triple Crown racing series and the Breeders Cup are on the board.

Online Casino

Todays highly sophisticated casino software solutions give bookies the chance to offer Las Vegas-style slots and table games as part of an online gaming menu. This includes access to live-dealer table games such as Blackjack and Roulette.

Online casino games create another viable revenue stream that can help supplement income during any lulls in the sports betting calendar. The quality of todays online casino game actually bring the gap between land-based venues and a bookies online casino site.

Online Poker Room

More and more pay per head sites are including online poker room software solutions as part of their weekly bookie services plan. Online poker continues to grow in popularity with a daily schedule of live tournament action.

Texas Holdem remains the biggest draw. However, poker variants such as Omaha and Seven-Card Stud are also very popular among avid online poker players.

The Pay Per Head Edge

Private bookies who are serious about building and growing a highly lucrative online gambling business fully understand the benefit of working with a quality pay per head bookie services provider.

It still takes hard work and dedication to make a solid living as a private bookie. However, there has never been a better time to get started with the help of a quality pay per head site to reach and hopefully exceed any financial goals that have been set.

This is a paid advertisement The Tico Times does not endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement.

Read the original:

Top-Rated Pay Per Head Sites Flourish With Online Gambling Growth - The Tico Times

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Top-Rated Pay Per Head Sites Flourish With Online Gambling Growth – The Tico Times

Connecticut Governor Signs Online Poker, Casino and Sports Bill into Law – Pokerfuse

Posted: at 3:17 pm

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed the House Bill 6451 into law on Friday, May 28, making CT the sixth US state to legalize online casinos and the seventh to have regulated online poker. The bill should take effect on July 1, 2021.

The Governors signature was the final step in the process after the bill had successfully passed the Senate vote on May 26. The House of Representatives sent the bill to the state Senate after passing it with a 122-21 margin.

The final signature was a mere formality as Gov. Lamont had already stated his intention to immediately sign the bill if it were to receive the necessary support from the Senate.

Following the passage of the bill, the Governors Office issued a public statement, announcing a new era of gaming in Connecticut.

By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future, Governor Lamont said.

Today, we celebrate the result of months of hard work and dedication toward an agreement that is best for the residents of Connecticut and the respective tribal members.

The state of Connecticut has been toying with the idea of regulated online gambling for a long time now. It was back in 2011 that Dannel P. Malloy, the state Governor at the time, expressed his opinion that CT legislators should look into regulating online gambling.

The bill received an overwhelming support both in the House and in the Senate, where it was passed by a 28-6 margin. Three Republicans and three Democrats stood together against the CT gambling bill, expressing their concerns about dangers of excessive gambling that could ensue.

On the flip side, the new bill stands to generate $30 million in the next fiscal year, with the potential to bring in $83 million per year by 2026. Online gambling will be taxed at 18% on gross revenues for the first five years, followed by the 20% taxation rate for the remaining five.

Although the bill has been signed, there are still certain wrinkles that need to be ironed out before residents of Connecticut are able to play poker and casino games online.

The bill only allows the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to offer online casino and poker games. However, before this can happen, the compact between the state and the two tribes needs to be changed, and these changes must be confirmed by the US Department of Interior (DOI).

Tribes will only be allowed to have one online operator offering games outside of tribal lands, which means that, as things stand right now, there is room for just two poker sites in CT to kick things off.

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CTC) will also benefit from the new iGaming bill, as it will be allowed to offer select online games. However, that language certainly does not cover online poker.

With the population of 3.6 million, Connecticut does not represent a huge market, so major US operators like PokerStars USA, WSOP USA, and BetMGM USA will probably not be overly concerned if they are not able to get their foot in the door early on.

At the same time, the CT online gambling bill does not contain language that would prohibit multi-state agreements. This means that the state will likely seek to enter existing or create new interstate agreements in the near future, which would significantly improve its position in the regulated US market.

See the original post:

Connecticut Governor Signs Online Poker, Casino and Sports Bill into Law - Pokerfuse

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Connecticut Governor Signs Online Poker, Casino and Sports Bill into Law – Pokerfuse

Connecticut Legalizes Online Gaming; Becomes 7th State to Pass Online Poker – PokerNews.com

Posted: at 3:17 pm

June 02, 2021Chad Holloway

Last week, Connecticut legalized online gaming, including both casino games and poker. After Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed House Bill 6451, The Constitution State became the seventh state to legalize online casino games and seventh to regulate online poker.

The legislation, which amends the Class III gaming compacts, also legalized both online and in-person sports betting and keno, online lottery draw games, and various fantasy contests. The states two tribes, Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe who operate Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods respectively, will be allowed to offer all forms of online gaming, while the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is limited to sports betting and online lottery draw games.

By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future, Governor Lamont said in a press release.

Now that the bill, which passed the state legislature in late May and the Senate last week, has been signed into law, the Lamont administration and the tribes will seek approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior to amend the states compact with the tribes. The federal agency must approve the changes to the compact before online gaming and sports wagering can begin in the state.

He continued: I am confident that the federal government will see fit to approve these amendments to our compact, and in the coming months we can launch a modernized, 21st-century gaming experience in Connecticut.

As part of the deal, the states general fund will receive monthly payments of 13.75%-20% of gross revenues from both tribes as well as the CLC. They also receive a yearly payment of $500,000 from each tribe and $1 million from the lottery, funds that will help problem gambling programs.

Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman James Gessner Jr. said: The Mohegan Tribe is thankful to Governor Ned Lamont and our partners in the General Assembly for their cooperative efforts to legalize online gaming and sports wagering, efforts that will keep Connecticut competitive with surrounding states when it comes to gaming entertainment. This is a major accomplishment, reached with overwhelming bipartisan support. The advantages of these changes will be felt statewide, to the benefit of Connecticut residents and our tribal members, at a time when our governments are collectively working to recover from the pandemic and provide vital services.

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler added: Gaming is more than a business to our tribe, it is the way we fund our government, pay for our childrens education, care for our elders, and provide healthcare to our members. The agreement not only ushers in a new modern era of gaming, but it solidifies our tribal/state partnership for years to come.

With a population of 3.6 million, Connecticut sits ahead of other online poker-friendly states such as Delaware, West Virginia, and Nevada, but is considerably smaller than Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan.

Theres no word on what the tribes will do, but partnering with the likes of PokerStars, partypoker US, or possibly Caesars Interactive seems like a real possibility. Likewise, while its not spelled out in the bill, itd make sense for Connecticut to join an interstate compact to enjoy the benefits of shared liquidity.

However, before any of that happens, the state and tribes have to have their compacts approved by the federal government, which will have 45 days to act once edited compacts are signed and submitted. Like several states before it that passed online gaming legislation, expect it to take a bit of time (i.e. a year or so) before games are actually up and running.

For more on online gaming coming to Connecticut, check out this news report from NBC Connecticut:

Images courtesy of Gov. Ned Lamont.

Sharelines

Last week, Connecticut @GovNedLamont legalized online gaming, including both casino games and poker.

Read more here:

Connecticut Legalizes Online Gaming; Becomes 7th State to Pass Online Poker - PokerNews.com

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Connecticut Legalizes Online Gaming; Becomes 7th State to Pass Online Poker – PokerNews.com

Connecticut Welcomes Online Poker, Casinos, and Sports Betting – Beat The Fish

Posted: at 3:17 pm

The Constitution State has finally enabled online gaming fans to enjoy their favorite games on the web.

Connecticut has become the seventh state to legalize online poker and the sixth to regulate online casinos after Governor Ned Lamont put his signature on House Bill 6451. This bill also regulates sports betting in Connecticut, and it is expected to be put forward from July 1, 2021.

Connecticut legislators have been developing a plan that would help them regulate online gambling for quite some time. After the bill got approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Governor gladly signed it and marked the start of a new gambling era for Connecticut.

In a public statement issued after the bill was passed, the Governor expressed his personal opinion on the matter:

By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future. Today, we celebrate the result of months of hard work and dedication toward an agreement that is best for the residents of Connecticut and the respective tribal members.

Apart from putting a stop to offshore gambling activities, Connecticut will also profit in terms of finance. Namely, the bill is expected to bring $30 million during the next fiscal year, while the annual profit is predicted to reach $83 million by 2026.

When it comes to taxes, during the first five years upon signing the bill, the state will impose an 18% tax on gross revenues. However, over the following five years, the tax will be 20%.

The bill specifies a certain way in which online gambling will be allowed to take place in Connecticut. Right now, only land-based establishments owned by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have the right to offer online poker and casino games. Unfortunately, this means that there wont be enough space in Connecticut for all the big names like PokerStars, WSOP, and others.

Each of these tribes will be allowed to have one online operator in charge of offering gambling activities in Connecticut, which is a total of two websites on the state level. Also, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CTC) will have the right to offer certain online games. Nevertheless, before any further steps can be made, the current deal between the tribes and the state must be altered and approved by the US Department of Interior (DOI).

Finally, the new iGaming bill contains nothing that would prevent Connecticut from taking part in interstate agreements. In other words, we can expect such moves in the future, as they would place Connecticut on top of the list of pro-gambling states.

Go here to see the original:

Connecticut Welcomes Online Poker, Casinos, and Sports Betting - Beat The Fish

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Connecticut Welcomes Online Poker, Casinos, and Sports Betting – Beat The Fish

Global Online Gambling Game Software Market 2021 Current Scope, Comprehensive Insights, Growth and Forecast 2026 The Courier – The Courier

Posted: at 3:17 pm

Our new exclusive market research report entitled Global Online Gambling Game Software Market 2021 by Company, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2026 published by MarketsandResearch.biz exhibits the important aspects that are estimated to shape the growth of the market over the forecast period. The market status and current scenario in terms of the indicators and key statistics have been presented by the report. The global Online Gambling Game Software market research report provides market size, market share, growth rate, revenue, and CAGR reported previously along with its forecast estimation. The report conveys pin point investigation of key market segments, market share, specific geographical regions, key market players, and trends in the market.

The report highlights the market by various segments such as type, application, end-users, and region. It also analyzes the market majors to evaluate the degree of competition in the industry vertical. The report also assesses and compares the market status and forecast between major regions. The global Online Gambling Game Software market has been studied with insights into the market at a regional level, and at the company level. The report also provides estimates of the market volume and value with the overall market forecast for the assessment period. It tracks key market drivers and challenges along with the top players.

The report provides a precise and detailed explanation of key components and their market expansion scope. The competitive landscape of the market has been provided by highlighting the main players operating in different global regions. The report will answer questions about the current market developments and the scope of competition, opportunity cost, and more. To help firms comprehend the global Online Gambling Game Software industry in multiple ways, the report exhaustively assesses the share, size, and growth rate of the business worldwide.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.marketsandresearch.biz/sample-request/171302

NOTE: Our analysts monitoring the situation across the globe explains that the market will generate remunerative prospects for producers post COVID-19 crisis. The report aims to provide an additional illustration of the latest scenario, economic slowdown, and COVID-19 impact on the overall industry.

Overall this report is all-embracing of the data which covers market definition, classifications, applications, engagements, market drivers & market restraints that are based on the SWOT analysis. Based on the geographical location and the significant sections, the regional segments in the global Online Gambling Game Software market have been separated. The market data covers regional consumption, production, and import and export data. The prevalent trends and market opportunities, as well as an outlook based on the forecast for the coming years for main regions, are studied by the report.

Major companies profiled in global Online Gambling Game Software market research report:

In market segmentation by types, the report covers:

In market segmentation by applications, the report covers the following uses:

The research throws light on information on competitors strategic alliances and strategies in the target market. This analysis gives a good picture of the industrys current condition. It provides businesses, investors, consumers, manufacturers, service providers, and distributors with valuable tools for evaluating the global Online Gambling Game Software market. The market is analyzed with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

ACCESS FULL REPORT: https://www.marketsandresearch.biz/report/171302/global-online-gambling-game-software-market-2021-by-company-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2026

The market study is being classified by major geographies with a country level break-up that includes:

Queries Resolved In This Report:

Customization of the Report:

This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@marketsandresearch.biz), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.

Contact UsMark StoneHead of Business DevelopmentPhone: +1-201-465-4211Email: sales@marketsandresearch.bizWeb: http://www.marketsandresearch.biz

Read more from the original source:

Global Online Gambling Game Software Market 2021 Current Scope, Comprehensive Insights, Growth and Forecast 2026 The Courier - The Courier

Posted in Online Casino | Comments Off on Global Online Gambling Game Software Market 2021 Current Scope, Comprehensive Insights, Growth and Forecast 2026 The Courier – The Courier

Why it matters that 7 states still have bans on atheists holding office – Source

Posted: at 3:16 pm

Editors note: Kristina Lee, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University, wrote this for The Conversation in June 2021. Colorado State is a contributing institution to The Conversation, an independent collaboration between editors and academics that provides informed news analysis and commentary to the general public. See theentire list of contributing faculty and their articles here.

Tennessees Constitution includes a provision that bars three groups from holding office: atheists, ministers and those engaging in duels. Efforts are under way in the state legislature to remove this exclusion for ministers, but not for duelists or atheists.

In January 2021, Republican Tennessee State Senator Mark Pody proposed Senate Joint Resolution 55 to amend Article IX of the Constitution of Tennessee to rid it of a clause that states no minister of the Gospel, or priest of any denomination whatever, shall be eligible to a seat in either House of the Legislature. No mention is made in Podys resolution about Section 2 of the same article: No person who denies the being of God shall hold any office in the civil department of this state. Nor for that matter does the current bill mention Section 3s objection to those who participate, aid or abet a duel.

When Pody was asked why his resolution removes only the ban on ministers, his response was that it is best to clean up the constitution one simple step at a time.

Tennessee is one of seven states that has an unconstitutional ban on atheists holding public office. Although superseded by Supreme Court rulings, such bans are important. As a scholar of religious and political rhetoric who focuses on the marginalization of U.S. atheists, I believe they reflect the normalization of anti-atheism that has yet to be truly dealt with, or rarely acknowledged, in the United States.

Numerous state constitutions established laws banning both ministers and atheists when they were ratified.

The bans on ministers were framed as necessary to protect their sacred calling. The prohibitions on atheists were installed for a different reason. Atheists, it was claimed, could not be trusted to be good citizens in a democracy.

This sentiment was expressed by early enlightenment thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke both of whom influenced early American politicians. Locke argued in his 1689 Letter Concerning Toleration that those are not at all to be tolerated who deny the being of a God. Promises, covenants, and oaths, which are the bonds of human society, can have no hold upon an atheist.

Bans on atheists and ministers are now unconstitutional due to Supreme Court rulings in 1961 and 1978. Tennessee is the last state to maintain an unenforceable ban on ministers in their Constitutions, while seven states still have their unconstitutional bans on atheists.

Although unenforceable, the bans periodically impede atheists wanting to hold public office. In 1992, Herb Silverman, an atheist activist and math professor, was denied a position as a notary public because of a ban in South Carolina. He had to sue the state before he could hold the position.

Meanwhile in 2009, Cecil Bothwell, a local Democratic candidate, won his city counsel race in Asheville, North Carolina but had to fight critics who claimed he was ineligible on account of his atheism.

These attacks continued for years after Bothwell was elected. H.K. Edgerton, a Black Confederate activist and one of Bothwells staunchest critics, complained in 2014 that the council had placed itself above the law for two terms with Cecil Bothwell sitting there passing rules and regulations and dictating law unlawfully.

David Morgan, editor of the Asheville Tribune, claimed his criticism of Bothwell was about upholding the state constitution, arguing If you dont like it, amend it and take out that clause.

Atheists have tried to do just that. But politicians show little interest in removing the bans on atheists that exist in state constitutions. As Todd Stiefel, an atheist activist, notes: If it was on the books that Jews couldnt hold public office, or that African Americans or women couldnt vote, that would be a no-brainer. Youd have politicians falling all over themselves to try to get it repealed. Even if it was still unenforceable, it would still be disgraceful and be removed. So why are we different?

These anti-atheist clauses and the failure to remove them reflect a phenomenon I call theistnormativity, which is the normalization of the belief in God as being tied to good and moral citizenship.

To many Americans, beliefs in God and Americanism has become synonymous. A 2015 survey found that 69% of respondents thought it was important to believe in God to be truly American. And Americans are expected to embrace national slogans such as In God We Trust and one nation, under God. Politicians are regularly asked to participate in public prayers to God before official meetings. And while they can request otherwise, the default assumption is that Americans will make an oath to God when taking public office or testifying in court.

While there is no ban on being an atheist in the United States, atheists have long been framed as un-American. When Democratic Representative Louis Rabaut proposed adding under God to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, he argued that an atheistic American is a contradiction in terms.

Even President Barack Obama simply acknowledging the existence of nonbelievers in his 2009 inaugural address led critics to question whether the acknowledgment was offensive and could lead to dangerous misunderstandings about our true nature as a nation.

And it isnt just the political right. When Bernie Sanders was running for president in 2016, leaked emails from Democratic National Committee leadership revealed a plot to try to out him as an atheist to negatively influence perceptions of him.

This political environment makes it difficult for open atheists to gain much political power. In a 2021 survey of Congress religious identity, only one person, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, identified as religiously unaffiliated. Eighteen members replied dont know or refused to answer the question.

Polling shows 4% of Americans identify as atheists, and about 23% identify more broadly as nonreligious. While identifying as nonreligious does not necessarily mean not believing in God, research suggests that as many as 1 in 4 Americans is atheist, but that most are unwilling to reveal this, even in anonymous polls.

As such, there are likely more atheists in Congress theyre just not open about their beliefs. In fact, in 2014, the American Humanist Association claimed that 24 members of Congress privately stated they did not believe in God but would deny it if outed.

Political analysts have long wondered if an atheist could become president. It would take a brave one to try, given that polls indicate that only 60% of Americans would be willing to contemplate voting for one.

Even theist presidents get criticized if they fail to show proper homage to religion. Biden, a Catholic, was the first president to not include God in his National Day of Prayer proclamation, a move Evangelical leader Franklin Graham called dangerous.

This anti-atheism extends beyond politics. Atheists face discrimination in the workplace and hiring practices. Parents who are religious often have an advantage in custody cases. Even though atheists are no more likely to commit crimes than theists, stereotypes surrounding atheist criminality and untrustworthiness persist. In court, atheist rape victims are less likely to be believed than Christian or religiously ambiguous victims.

It is in this context that the bans on atheists although unenforceable under Supreme Court ruling must, I believe, be examined.

While these bans may seem harmless, they represent anti-atheist prejudices that are ingrained in America. They remind atheists that, despite their beliefs being protected by the first amendment, being open about not believing in God has consequences.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

See the article here:
Why it matters that 7 states still have bans on atheists holding office - Source

Posted in Atheism | Comments Off on Why it matters that 7 states still have bans on atheists holding office – Source

God Bless the USA Bible gets cancelled – Eternity News

Posted: at 3:16 pm

Seth Mahigas resignation as Secretary of Atheists in Kenya was announced on the weekend because he believes in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Seths reason for resigning is that he has found Jesus Christ and is no longer interested in promoting atheism in Kenya, wrote president Harrison Mumia in an official statement published on Twitter.

For the past 18 months, Mahiga had been secretary for AIK. According to its site, AIK is the first officially registered non-religious organisation of its kind in the nation.

According to Statistadata from 2019, more than 85 per cent of Kenyas population identify as Christian.

Among AIKs objectives are the promotion and practice of open, rational, and scientific examination of the universe and our place in it, and to advocate that ethics and morality be meaningfully based on rational and humanistic ideals and values.

According to AIK, atheism is in the broadest sense an absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is a rejection of the belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities.

In light of such stated aims and beliefs, Mahiga evidently found his role untenable. But Mumias statement about Mahigas resignation is gracious and warm, thanking Mahiga for his service and wishing Seth all the best in his new-found relationship with Jesus Christ.

As Mahiga himself says at a church meeting filmed by Elevate TV Kenya, and shared on Facebook by AIK he had been experiencing difficulties in life before he decided to resign as secretary. The brief video also includes the pastor with Mahiga asking the congregation to give the Lord some praise in this house, hallelujah before stating that the Bible says: Every knee shall bow '

Comments on the video include: He cracked, what a waste of good brain . all it needs is brainwashing with lie that he will believe to be true. He could not handle the truth and how much was he paid for this PR stunt?; as well as more supportive notes such as a wise decision and Jesus is the way, truth and life.

Atheists in Kenya is seeking a new secretary.

Read the original:
God Bless the USA Bible gets cancelled - Eternity News

Posted in Atheism | Comments Off on God Bless the USA Bible gets cancelled – Eternity News

This Is Not Your Father’s Creationism: Atheist Michael Shermer Meets Stephen Meyer – Discovery Institute

Posted: at 3:16 pm

Photo: Michael Shermer, by Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

This is not your fathers creationism, says skeptic and atheist Michael Shermer in anew podcast with Stephen Meyer aboutReturn of the God Hypothesis. This is far more serious. And Shermer shows it by going two hours with Meyer, placing every objection before him that he can think of. The case in Meyers book is not creationism at all, of course, but Ill accept the compliment on Steves behalf. Shermer has my admiration in return. This is not your fathers village atheism, either. That a conversation like this is possible represents a hopeful sign for our culture. Its not a debate its a discussion between respectful, eminently thoughtful people, neither of whom is trying to win. We could all trying practicing that more with people who disagree with us.

I dont see any evidence by the end that Shermer has changed his mind (which, again, was not the intent). But when biology, physics, and cosmology are weighed together, I dont know what objection to Steve Meyers case he would hold onto. Every cosmology either has theistic implications, or ends up wrecking the basis for rational scientific investigation of nature. This may be the most interesting dialogue thatReturn of the God Hypothesishas sparked so far, and that is no small measure of praise. As a friend commented who heard it before I did, Whoa! Must listen. Whoa, indeed. Now I would like to hear a follow-up with some of the other sophisticated advocates for atheism Sam Harris, perhaps, above all.

By the way, at one point Shermer quotes extensively from the review of the book by biologist Darrel Falk (who doesnt touch the cosmological arguments at all). Meyer addresses Falks points concisely, but you can read a full response from geologist Casey Luskin and physicist Brian Miller here, here, and here. More to come on that front shortly. Miller has asked for a partial retraction from the entity, BioLogos, that published the review. No word as yet on that.

Go here to read the rest:
This Is Not Your Father's Creationism: Atheist Michael Shermer Meets Stephen Meyer - Discovery Institute

Posted in Atheism | Comments Off on This Is Not Your Father’s Creationism: Atheist Michael Shermer Meets Stephen Meyer – Discovery Institute