Perhaps rather than wasting time and money on futile prohibition, the U.S. Congress could simply simply spell it out and provide that there is no recourse in the courts for this kind of fraud or software mishap.

I've got to agree with The Badger. Who would trust a gambling site not to nudge the game over to the house's advantage? Of course, blackjack would present the biggest temptation.

Why do people play poker on the Internet anyway? "Here are your cards, Mr Punter, all chosen completely randomly by 'the computer' and no-one else knows what they are, honest!"

Indeed, why do people do any gambling online? "Oh dear, the slot machine didn't produce those three matching symbols - so unlucky! The ball on the virtual roulette wheel just happened to skip over your number - what were the odds of that happening? Just missed out on blackjack again, sir? Never mind, have another go!"

Punters!