The passage of an amendment to ban internet gambling in the United States is fundamentally at odds with good public policy that favors regulation to protect consumers.

Internationally, an increasing number of countries (22) are offering legal internet wagering entertainment from their jurisdictions. In some cases, these are government-operated sites.

The prohibition bill is unenforceable as suggested by the Justice Department’s recent analysis of the bill. The mistaken concept that an electronic wall can be built around the US is simply not feasible, especially with the watered down enforcement provisions regarding internet service providers (ISPs) which have been put in the role of policing this internet content.

With exceptions for government sponsored state lotteries and certain parimutuel activities such as off track betting, the bill doesn’t even qualify as a true internet gambling prohibition. It offers an inconsistent public policy that favors government gambling options.

The net effect is that U.S. businesses as well as state governments will not receive the benefits of this growing entertainment option. It’s important to reiterate that this is that this is passage in the Senate only. The House is still deliberating the issue.

The Interactive Gaming Council consists of 55 international member companies, which are involved as operators, suppliers, and support services for interactive gaming products.

IGC has already developed a Code of Conduct for its members which aims at enhancing consumer protection and is working with an international body of regulators to develop an independent review body.

For more information, contact Chairman Sue Schneider (314)946-0820 or via email at .