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