As the regulation of intrastate internet gambling spreads on a state-by-state basis in the US, legislation was introduced yesterday that would create a uniform regulatory framework to control the activity and protect consumers.
The Internet Gambling Regulation, Enforcement and Consumer Protection Act would ensure internet gambling is not governed by inconsistent state laws adopted since the Department of Justice’s opinion in December 2011 that the activity is not prohibited under federal law unless it involves sports.
The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, a leading advocate for internet gambling regulation, has welcomed the move to protect against under-age gambling, compulsive gambling and fraud, while laying the groundwork for the creation of thousands of new jobs and the generation of billions to stimulate US economic expansion.
“I’d be shocked if congress didn’t move quickly to consider this new legislation, which is desperately needed to create uniformity across the country and protect consumers regardless of where they are located,” said Michael Waxman, spokesman for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative.
“Rather than cede the regulation of internet gambling to state lawmakers, Congress should ensure there is consistent oversight of this industry and move to generate significant new revenues without having to raise taxes or cut programmes.
“Previous attempts by Congress to prohibit internet gambling have failed, leaving millions of Americans who continue to gamble online without any guaranteed protections or safety net.
“Compounding this is the recent introduction of conflicting state regimes. Without consistent regulations, federal and state governments are being deprived of valuable tax revenue, while offshore internet gambling operators continue to benefit from an uncertain and untaxed marketplace.”
