In the US, Jeffrey Sandman, spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, has issued a statement in regard to the attempt by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshar to prohibit internet gambling through the seizure of internet gambling domain names.
The statement read: “The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative calls on Kentucky Governor Steve Beshar to support the regulation of internet gambling as a way to protect Kentuckians and generate billions of dollars in new revenue, rather than seeking to prohibit the activity.
“Governor Beshar is right to acknowledge that internet gambling is flourishing in an underground marketplace and a change is needed to protect Kentuckians and all Americans. Unfortunately, his solution is flawed. Prohibition has failed before and is not likely to stop Kentuckians or anyone in the US from continuing to find a way to gamble online.
“The movement to regulate internet gambling, led by House Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank, advocates for a more responsible approach to protect consumers and capture billions of dollars to fund critical government programmes, money that otherwise is lost to offshore businesses and out of the US economy.
“Based on pending legislation, Kentuckians could receive an estimated $556m over 10 years to fund critical programmes from regulated Internet gambling revenues. The bill also includes provisions to encourage responsible internet gambling behaviour and an awareness of unsafe practices, something problem gambling advocates praise.
“Governor Beshar has shown great leadership in protecting Kentuckians’ individual right to gamble on horse racing and in casinos if they wish to opt for that form of entertainment. He should extend that right to those constituents who seek the freedom to gamble online, whether on poker, sports or other games.
“We encourage Governor Beshar to reverse his position and support internet gambling regulation as a sensible approach to protect the interests of his constituents.”
