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