AGA view on Internet gambling

[jetset]

AGA CAUTIOUS ON INTERNET GAMBLING

States rights and adequate precautions cited for conservative approach to legalisation

Frank Fahrenkopf, the chief of the land casino trade body American Gaming Association shed some light on the conservative approach of the association to Internet gambling this week when he corrected the Las Vegas Review Journal on an article entitled "Wanna Bet?"

Although the association is on record as supporting the idea of an independent enquiry into online gambling, Fahrenkopf explained that the AGA is not lukewarm on Internet gambling because of a fear of competition. "In fact, some of our member companies have been vocal about their interest in getting into this sector of the business should it be legalized," he wrote.

The respected gaming executive went on to explain that legislation such as that introduced by Congressman Barney Frank seeking to legalise online gambling raised concerns regarding the rights of individual states as opposed to federal controls.

"We are concerned that recently introduced Internet gambling legislation represents the first toe in the water toward federalizing the regulation and taxation of gaming, which threatens the long-held rights of individual states," Fahrenkopf explained. "We also worry that laws moving too hastily toward legalization could neglect the development of adequate protections to prevent underage gambling online and to safeguard those who may have gambling problems.

"These and other important issues require a reasoned approach, which is why we continue to support the Internet Gambling Study Act, sponsored by Representatives Shelley Berkley and Jon Porter of Nevada and with 68 co-sponsors on Capitol Hill. It's a more deliberate move forward, but one that is far more responsible and responsive to the complex issues surrounding this topic."