For Immediate Release

Contact:
Sue Schneider (314) 946-0820
or
Albert Angel (561) 272-5667

Interactive Gaming Council Calls for Comprehensive Regulation of Online Gaming

February 10, 1999, (Virginia Beach, VA).
-In his testimony today before the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, Interactive Gaming Council ("IGC") Vice-Chairman Albert Angel called on the Commission to endorse a comprehensive system of federal, state, and international regulation of the online gaming industry. "We believe that the best way to ensure that consumers are protected, children are kept from accessing online gaming sites, and those with gambling problems get the help they need is to craft a comprehensive regulatory framework," stated Angel. The IGC's representative outlined four principles for an effective regulatory regime in the United States: jurisdiction, licensure, enforcement, and respect for states' rights.

Despite overwhelming testimony supporting the effectiveness of regulation over prohibition, the Commission seemed predisposed to support a federal ban on interactive gaming. "A majority of commissioners appear willing to leave consumers defenseless and ignore the regulatory benefits of evolving technology in favor of a morality-based outcome," noted Angel.

The IGC believes a federal prohibition of interactive gaming, much like the federal prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s, would usurp each state's authority to decide what is best for its citizens. Moreover, the Gaming Council believes that the prohibitory approach posited by the Dr James Dobson and other commissioners at the NGISC meeting held at ultra-conservative Regent University is an endorsement of a broad-based federal responsibility for raising children, which ultimately undermines parental rights.

"What's disappointing is that the Commission has rejected common-sense regulation, even though most recognize that it would be far more effective than an old-style federal prohibition," said Angel.

The Gaming Council will push for adoption of a regulatory model when Congress reviews the Commission's report.

The Interactive Gaming Council is the trade association for the international, interactive gaming industry. Its members operate or supply services to many of the 280 interactive gaming and wagering sites on the World Wide Web. For more information, please visit its web site https://igcouncil.org .

For more information, to schedule an interview, or to receive a more in-depth analysis of the IGC's regulatory recommendations, please contact Vice Chairman Albert Angel at (561)272-5667 or Chairman Sue Schneider at (314)946-0820.