Online Gambling Law Expert Speaks Out
Published: Saturday, May 06, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
ONLINE GAMBLING LAW EXPERT FRANK CATANIA SPEAKS OUT
Online gambling legal expert condemns prohibition
A former director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and respected legal figure in online gambling, Frank Catania published an article this week condemning the rush to ban online gambling in the USA.
"Every attempt to regulate activity on the Internet seemingly raises questions about the proverbial slippery slope," writes Catania.
"But if regulation of the Internet is a slippery slope, then surely an outright ban of an Internet activity constitutes falling off the cliff."
Describing the current attempts in Congress to ban as an "over-the-cliff" approach, Catania says the proposed legislation would cut off the ability of Americans to use the Internet for (almost) all forms of gambling, with the big exception those who bet on horse racing, underscoring the golden rule in politics: "With enough money and political muscle, special interests can win themselves an exemption."
In the strongly worded article, Catania writes: "We all know the Internet is revolutionising the way we obtain information, enjoy leisure time and connect with others. This prohibition attempt has little to do with the technology; it's really about some members of Congress trying to impose their own sense of morality on the Internet. The fact is that Christian conservatives pushing these bills are attempting to force their religious beliefs - that gambling is immoral - on all Americans (except those who bet on the horses)."
"It's time that Congress developed a consistent and sensible policy for Internet gambling. What the bill's supporters fail to understand is that short of completely banning the Internet or heavily censoring the Internet as China does, there will always be Internet gambling available to U.S. players. The Internet sails far beyond our boundaries or the long arm of U.S. law. More than 70 countries currently regulate Internet gambling, and sites based in these countries are accessible to U.S. players. A ban on Internet gambling just doesn't make sense," Catania avers.
Pointing out that a ban on Internet gambling would not address issues such as preventing underage gambling or offering assistance to problem gamblers, the article suggests that instead of prohibition, the US politicians should turn to regulation to deal with these problems.
"State-of-the-art technology to regulate the activity, including age verification software and existing government databases, combined with proper operating procedures and strict regulation, can prevent minors from gambling online and offer greater assistance to problem gamblers," Catania opines.
"If Internet gambling were regulated, for example, sites could cross-reference driver's license databases or voting registration lists to verify the age of players. For problem gamblers, a regulated environment provides operators with the tools to monitor online activity and be instrumental in harm minimization. And regulation of Internet gambling operations, like the regulation of the brick-and-mortar gambling industry, allows all transactions to be tracked, audited and taxed, relieving concerns over financial impropriety."
Urging Congress to adopt a fair and consistent policy of regulation, Catania says that whether the gambling entertainment is online or offline, consumers deserve diligent regulators who make sure that operators are honest, games are fair, winning players are paid promptly, problem gamblers are offered assistance or ultimately barred, and minors are prohibited from playing.
Catania concludes his op-ed piece by saying: "History has taught us that prohibition does not work. Instead, we need lawmakers to develop policies that offer consumer protections without restricting Internet access, freedom or innovation."
Frank Catania is president of the Catania Consulting Group, a New Jersey-based a consulting firm that specializes in gaming issues. He serves on the Board of online gambling standards and self-regulation body eCommerce and Online Gaming, Regulation and Assurance (ECOGRA) as one of three independent directors, and was at one time director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
