|
|
|
 |
UNLV Gambling Expert Says Online Casino Regulation More Likely
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA --
Bo Bernhard, the director of gambling research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, says that recent stories about consumers being duped by online poker cheating will make the case for legalization and regulation of Internet gambling much stronger. A story covered by both "Sixty Minutes" and the Washington Post involved scandals at Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet.
By illustrating the victimization of US citizens who happened to be online gamblers, and documenting the fraud perpetrated by previous owners of the poker sites, the news media brought forward the concept that citizens need protection which a ban is not providing.
Further, Bernhard told the Las Vegas Review Journal that all factors are coming together for the repeal of the UIGEA ban and the passing of legislation regulating online gambling. Democratic politicians are in charge who have no ties to conservative Christian anti-gambling groups. Federal revenues are down and could use the boost of a taxed online casino industry. And land casino operators no longer have the budget for multi-billion dollar new properties, meaning those companies may turn to the Internet for new revenue sources.
Bernhard, who grew up with gambling as his father was Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman, says, "I believe in my Nevada soul that a gaming industry that's regulated properly, licensed, subjected to the rigors, is a good thing."
Although he pays due respect to the potential problems of underage participation and problem gambling, Bernhard, who conducted Nevada's first study of Internet gambling at the behest of the Gaming Commission, says people have the right to make their own choice. With the development of software that vigilantly guards against adolescents and compulsive gamblers, Internet gaming may be headed for US acceptance.
Previous Gambling Law News Articles
Post A Comment
|
 |
|
|
|
