Written by Amy Zupko

Woman Poker Player Magazine   

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 18, 2010 – Online casinos came on the scene right alongside the mainstream introduction of the internet. As people found a new way to communicate and do business, gamblers also found a new outlet.  Software originators such as Microgaming and Boss Media AB were formed in the mid 1990’s with Cryptologic being credited with developing the first interactive casino able to process real money financial transactions in 1996. Literally thousands followed suit until the market became saturated with online casinos. As the online gambling boom happened, global governments had a hard time keeping up with how to control the newly budding commerce.  It became apparent that the industry needed a medium to address issues and to present a unified front to lobby for regulation and to protect the industry.

The IGC has many roles in support of the gaming community including leading global lobbying efforts on behalf of its membership. The remarkable growth of internet gambling has many governments, most notably the United States debating suitable legislation, some suggesting an outright ban.

“The IGC has been lobbying for a solution and working with governments like the U. S. and Canada to move toward regulation, rather than prohibition” Viippola adds. “The IGC has also provided written testimony to the Gambling Review Body in the UK, worked with the governments in Australia, New Zealand and Europe and we also consult regularly with the individual governments in Canada toward regulation of the industry.”

Like prohibition in the 1920’s the IGC feels a total ban on internet gambling would push out the sites that are willing to comply with legal regulations, leaving players in the hands of dishonest operators.

“The industry has made great strides in the past few years. We are making progress in giving governments across the globe insight to the industry; which assist as decisions are made with regard to government regulation” adds Viippola.  

Read the full article here: http://www.womanpokerplayer.com/pokernews/208-igc-working.html

STATEMENT OF JOHN KENNEDY FITZGERALD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE INTERACTIVE GAMING COUNCIL (IGC) ON:

U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT AND FEDERAL RESERVE DECISION TO DELAY UIGEA REGULATIONS

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, November 27, 2009 -- "The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) commends today's actions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to delay by six months the application of the regulations issued pursuant to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). 

“We applaud Chairman Frank, Senator Reid and other members of Congress for their leadership in convincing the agencies to delay the application of this flawed regulation, which is based on a flawed law.

“IGC hopes that the U.S. Congress will use the intervening time to move U.S. law away from the ambiguous attempts at prohibition contained in UIGEA, and toward a rational policy of licensing and regulation, which respects individual freedom, protects players, and raises needed revenue for federal and state governments.  We thank Chairman Frank for his efforts toward that goal, and we look forward to working with him in any way possible to achieve it."

Contacts:

John Kennedy FitzGerald, Chief Executive,

INTRODUCTION OF INTERNET GAMING REGULATION LEGISLATION IN THE U.S.

Statement by John K. FitzGerald, Chief Executive of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC)

               May 6, 2009 - “The IGC and its’ members enthusiastically endorse the legislation introduced by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank and Rep. Jim McDermott to license, regulate and tax non-sports Internet gaming in the United States.   We believe that licensing and regulation is the best way to protect minors and problem gamblers, while respecting the rights of adults to select their own entertainment choices.  Today, dozens of countries employ such regulatory systems, and it is time for the U.S. to do so as well. 

               “We also thank Chairman Frank for taking an important step to address the flawed regulations that were finalized pursuant to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.  We believe that there is a better way for the U.S. to stop prohibited gambling, such as sports betting, without the burdens this regulation will impose on financial institutions and legal gaming operations.”

               “Rep. McDermott’s legislation recognizes that, against the backdrop of massive federal deficits, IGC represents an industry that is asking to pay U.S. taxes; his legislation would provide a stream of revenue that can fund important programs or reduce the federal deficit.”

               “We congratulate Chairman Frank and Rep. McDermott on their leadership on these issues, and we look forward to working with them as they move the United States toward a rational policy of licensing and regulating Internet gaming.”

Contacts:

Keith Furlong, Deputy Director, | Phone: 1-732-687-0880