Congress Needs To Study Internet Gaming Regulation

and Enforcement in Era of Growing Demand

 

 

U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV) today (November 14, 2007) testified at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the current state of Internet gaming and the need for a comprehensive study looking at issues of regulation and enforcement.  Berkley introduced bipartisan legislation, The Internet Gambling Study Act (H.R. 2140), in May of this year calling for an independent analysis of an array of technical and regulatory elements related to Internet gaming.

 

 “I have always said that individuals must be free to choose whether or not they want to participate in legal, regulated gambling, be it on the Las Vegas Strip or online, but I also recognize that Congress needs clear guidance on how to deal with this issue when it comes to the Internet.  My study will provide us with that much needed blueprint.  As Congress continues to examine issues related to online gaming, an impartial, scientific study will give us the facts and the tools we need to make important choices, including those related to regulation of this activity.”

 

The study would be conducted by the highly respected National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the results would serve as the basis for a report to lawmakers on a wide range of issues including advances in technology, regulation in other countries, and the impact of the current federal online gambling ban in the United States.  Numerous nations around the world have legalized and regulated internet gaming.

 

“I greatly appreciate Chairman Conyers’ willingness to hold this hearing and I am hopeful that we will see progress on my Internet gaming study legislation this session of Congress.  I disagree with those who say we cannot address problem gambling or stop underage bettors through the use of technology and programs to educate the public.  Rather than support a comprehensive study that will help to answer important questions about regulation, those opposed to Internet gaming are content to simply attack all forms of gambling by repeating the same tired claims,” said Berkley.  “The time has come to move beyond name calling, finger pointing and personal attacks on the morality of millions of adults who choose to gamble.  We need real answers about what works and what does not when it comes to regulation and we can get that information through a comprehensive study.  This need is especially great at a time when America could be facing real financial penalties as a result of World Trade Organization findings that U.S. policy related to Internet gaming violates international trade agreements.”       

 

The Internet Gambling Study Act calls for the National Research Council -- an arm of the NAS -- to conduct a comprehensive study of Internet gambling, including the existing legal framework that governs such activities and transactions and the impact of the current Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act on Internet gambling in the United States.  Upon conclusion of the study, the National Research Council will submit to the President, the Congress, State Governors, and Native American tribal governments a comprehensive report on their findings and conclusions.

 

Bonus - See Congresswoman Berkley on CNN Wolf Blitzer's "The Situation Room"