A technology group advised by David Blunkett, the former Home Secretary, is one of several British companies spending millions of pounds lobbying American politicians in a bid to shape legislation in the US.
UC Group, an online payment services group, has spent some $5.23m (£3.2m) on lobbying fees in recent years, one of several companies deploying millions to influence gambling legislation in the US.
Sportingbet, PartyGaming and Pokerstars have all hired high profile lobbying firms in the US to represent their interests as they prepare for the likely opening-up of the US online gaming market.
UC Group acts for 10 gaming companies, offering back-office and anti-money laundering operations and hopes to profit from any opening of the market. The group has worked to promote Senator Barney Frank's efforts to overturn the ban on online gaming.
The size of the company's lobbying expenses - which stretch to $2.31m since last September - are particularly eye-catching given it made just £3m in pre-tax profits last year.
Kobus Paulsen, UC Group's chief executive, suggested it was part of the group's long-term strategy. "We are certain that our efforts will yield an open market for non-US based gaming operators," he said.
Ruth Parasol and Russell De Leon, the PartyGaming founders, have spent up to £929,000 on lobbying fees since last September to influence online gaming legislation in the US.
It remains unclear whether any of those fees have been channelled towards lobbying over issues related to their potential prosecution for allegedly breaking US laws banning internet gambling.
Anurag Diskit, another founder, stunned the gaming industry in April this year by pleading guilty to breaking US laws and agreeing to pay a $300m fine. Ms Parasol, Mr De Leon and a third founder, Vikrant Bhargava, have yet to settle with the US Department of Justice.
Lobbying records for Sportingbet, the online gaming firm that also faces potential charges, show the company has paid $60,000 over the last year in relation to the "settlement of potential criminal charges related to online gambling". (Credit: The Telegraph)
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
One tribe proposing legalization of Internet poker in California, by Jim Miller - The Press Enterprise - 12th August 2009
SACRAMENTO - The Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Banning is at the forefront of an effort to craft legislation legalizing online poker in California.
The influential Inland tribe, which runs a successful casino off Interstate 10, has collaborated with some Southern California card clubs on a proposal to create a "tribal intrastate Internet poker consortium." It aims to make California the first state with online poker that complies with federal law.
"This would be a game for Californians, run by Californians," said Patrick Dorinson, a spokesman for the tribe. Participating tribes, card clubs and the cash-strapped state would share in the revenue, but an exact split hasn't been determined, he said.
There are an estimated 2,300 online poker sites generating $4 billion in revenue. An estimated 1 million Californians play online poker.
The sites avoid 2006 federal restrictions on online poker by operating outside the U.S. Under some legal interpretations, federal law would allow online poker when players are in the same state as computer servers hosting the games.
No bill has emerged and there is no author for the proposal so far. Any measure would be considered during the final four weeks of the legislative year after lawmakers return Monday from their summer recess.
Already, though, the idea has received a cool reception by some other tribes with casinos.
The California Tribal Business Alliance, which includes several wealthy tribes with casinos, this week announced its opposition to the idea.
In a letter, the group called the online card game proposal "ill-conceived" and warned that it could lead to "the wholesale expansion of non-Indian, off-reservation gambling in California" by potentially bringing casino-style machines to card rooms.
"It's way too complicated to rush something through at the end of session," said Alison Harvey, the alliance's executive director.
In the Inland area, the Morongo tribe belongs to the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, which includes several tribes with casinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The normally tightknit group has taken no position on the online card game proposal. Two nearby group members with large casinos -- the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians near San Bernardino and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Coachella Valley -- also are neutral.
Morongo officials have been briefing tribal leaders from around the state in recent days. No other tribes have endorsed the proposal, Dorinson said.
The two legislators whose districts include the Morongo reservation and casino have not been approached about the tribe's proposal.
State Sen. John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, questioned if there would be enough time to consider online poker legislation before lawmakers adjourn their regular session Sept. 11. Prison reform and water are expected to dominate the end-of-session agenda.
"I'm all ears. But it certainly would be an uphill battle to get it done in the time frame they're talking about," Benoit said.
Federal legislation
The online poker proposal has been in the works for several months. Talk of its introduction as a bill comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to consider related legislation.
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez introduced a measure last week to regulate online poker and other games. In a news release, the senator's office said the legislation could raise up to $3 billion in revenue while protecting players from unscrupulous offshore poker sites.
"Pulling Internet poker out of the shadows and into the light of the law, we have the opportunity to help our economy while protecting our families," Menendez said in a statement.
Dorinson said the California proposal would ensure that revenue from online poker played here would help the state.
At least one online poker group is skeptical about the idea.
John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, said the California proposal would give a monopoly to just a few entities. California, he said, instead should license a variety of online poker sites or host its own games. The players alliance is funded by the Canada-based Interactive Gaming Council, which represents online poker sites.
The Schwarzenegger administration does not have a position on online poker, a spokeswoman said.
Last summer, the Legislature considered a bill that would have legalized online poker. It stalled after major opposition from some tribes and tribal organizations, including the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.
Political fights
Underlying the latest proposal is the recent acrimony between some of the groups involved.
In 2004, tribal casinos defeated a ballot measure pushed by card clubs and horse tracks that would have ended the tribes' monopoly on slot machines.
In 2007 and 2008, some members of the tribal business alliance spent millions in an unsuccessful campaign to overturn 2006 casino-expansion agreements between the state and the Morongo tribe, along with several others.
Last year, the tribes joined forces to push through legislation to ban devices in some nontribal bingo halls run by various charities. Critics called the devices illegal slot machines. But opponents of the bill said it hurt the charities' fundraising. (Credit: The Press Enterprise)
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The influential Inland tribe, which runs a successful casino off Interstate 10, has collaborated with some Southern California card clubs on a proposal to create a "tribal intrastate Internet poker consortium." It aims to make California the first state with online poker that complies with federal law.
"This would be a game for Californians, run by Californians," said Patrick Dorinson, a spokesman for the tribe. Participating tribes, card clubs and the cash-strapped state would share in the revenue, but an exact split hasn't been determined, he said.
There are an estimated 2,300 online poker sites generating $4 billion in revenue. An estimated 1 million Californians play online poker.
The sites avoid 2006 federal restrictions on online poker by operating outside the U.S. Under some legal interpretations, federal law would allow online poker when players are in the same state as computer servers hosting the games.
No bill has emerged and there is no author for the proposal so far. Any measure would be considered during the final four weeks of the legislative year after lawmakers return Monday from their summer recess.
Already, though, the idea has received a cool reception by some other tribes with casinos.
The California Tribal Business Alliance, which includes several wealthy tribes with casinos, this week announced its opposition to the idea.
In a letter, the group called the online card game proposal "ill-conceived" and warned that it could lead to "the wholesale expansion of non-Indian, off-reservation gambling in California" by potentially bringing casino-style machines to card rooms.
"It's way too complicated to rush something through at the end of session," said Alison Harvey, the alliance's executive director.
In the Inland area, the Morongo tribe belongs to the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, which includes several tribes with casinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The normally tightknit group has taken no position on the online card game proposal. Two nearby group members with large casinos -- the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians near San Bernardino and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Coachella Valley -- also are neutral.
Morongo officials have been briefing tribal leaders from around the state in recent days. No other tribes have endorsed the proposal, Dorinson said.
The two legislators whose districts include the Morongo reservation and casino have not been approached about the tribe's proposal.
State Sen. John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, questioned if there would be enough time to consider online poker legislation before lawmakers adjourn their regular session Sept. 11. Prison reform and water are expected to dominate the end-of-session agenda.
"I'm all ears. But it certainly would be an uphill battle to get it done in the time frame they're talking about," Benoit said.
Federal legislation
The online poker proposal has been in the works for several months. Talk of its introduction as a bill comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to consider related legislation.
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez introduced a measure last week to regulate online poker and other games. In a news release, the senator's office said the legislation could raise up to $3 billion in revenue while protecting players from unscrupulous offshore poker sites.
"Pulling Internet poker out of the shadows and into the light of the law, we have the opportunity to help our economy while protecting our families," Menendez said in a statement.
Dorinson said the California proposal would ensure that revenue from online poker played here would help the state.
At least one online poker group is skeptical about the idea.
John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, said the California proposal would give a monopoly to just a few entities. California, he said, instead should license a variety of online poker sites or host its own games. The players alliance is funded by the Canada-based Interactive Gaming Council, which represents online poker sites.
The Schwarzenegger administration does not have a position on online poker, a spokeswoman said.
Last summer, the Legislature considered a bill that would have legalized online poker. It stalled after major opposition from some tribes and tribal organizations, including the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.
Political fights
Underlying the latest proposal is the recent acrimony between some of the groups involved.
In 2004, tribal casinos defeated a ballot measure pushed by card clubs and horse tracks that would have ended the tribes' monopoly on slot machines.
In 2007 and 2008, some members of the tribal business alliance spent millions in an unsuccessful campaign to overturn 2006 casino-expansion agreements between the state and the Morongo tribe, along with several others.
Last year, the tribes joined forces to push through legislation to ban devices in some nontribal bingo halls run by various charities. Critics called the devices illegal slot machines. But opponents of the bill said it hurt the charities' fundraising. (Credit: The Press Enterprise)
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Friday, August 07, 2009
Breaking News! Online Poker Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate
New Bill Is Separate from Barney Frank's Similar Online Gambling Bill, with a Higher-Profile Position in the Senate
August 6, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez has just introduced into the U.S. Senate a brand new piece of legislation designed to legalize and regulate Internet poker.
"To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing by the Secretary of the Treasury of Internet poker and other games that are predominantly of skill, to provide for consumer protections on the Internet, to enforce the tax code, and for other purposes," the bill begins.
The bill would establish a new legal regulatory framework for Internet poker in the United States, and also put in place certain consumer protections such as age restrictions. Officially entitled S.8309, the Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, it was introduced today.
No matter what success this bill meets with, it represents another huge milestone in the nationwide struggle to reclassify poker from gambling to a game of skill. This movement seeks to enable online poker to be not only legalized but also change the way it is regarded in popular culture.
That movement has gained a lot of transaction over the past year, with smaller court victories in states such as Colorado, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, and with Representative Barney Frank’s recent efforts to legalize and regulate certain sectors of online gambling with his own legislation (which is separate from this bill).
Home to the original U.S. gaming resort destination, Atlantic City, New Jersey has long had its own internal struggles regarding the legality of gaming, and has recently clashed with the federal government on this basis. So it makes sense that the author of this new legislation is is from New Jersey — and a Democrat, the party that is apparently more open to the idea of fully legalized online gambling. (Although it technically has bipartisan support, the vast majority of supporters of Barney Frank’s recent pro-Internet gambling efforts have been Democrats.)
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) not only supports the new bill, but has provided a copy of it at its website. Check it out here. (Credit: CAP)
Greg Tingle comment...
This online poker bill is most welcome news, and has been a long time coming.
Down under in Australia poker and I dare say, online poker, is already a strong part of our popular culture, just as are kangaroos, meat pies and Holden cars, and having a punt on the (horse) races and a bit of a spin on the pokies. By the way, Sportingbet is introducing V8Bet, so punters can be on the V8 Supercar racing, (Holden and Ford).
Some may not like this, and some will, but there's strong rumblings that sports betting might try to significantly ride off the back of this poker bill, as there could be legal arguments that there certainly are elements of skill (knowledge etc) in picking sports bet winners. A similar scenario of sorts with the game known as "Spot The Ball", which has long been a part of British culture, with numerous British newspapers running Spot The Ball competitions. Property listing companies such as Play4Property.com are taking the Spot The Ball game internationally, which isn't that hard to do with the internet as an medium of media, backed up by traditional media, journalism, marketing et al.
Friends, the rules have changed, and will continue to, in regards to online poker, online games of skill, online gambling, and the way business is conducted between people, corporations, media companies et al.
A few apt quotes from some gentlemen with some good ideas and track record of success, getting things done, and changing the world, and the rules of play!
James Packer - "Internet is like electricity"
Rupert Murdoch - "Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow"
Charles Darwin - "In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed"
My tip, look to California to plug into online poker, online sports betting, and quite likely, online gambling as a whole. They have been pro active and early adopters on other social issues such as the environment, poverty and health.
You can bet that Harrah's Entertainment and their chain of hotel - casino - resorts will be watching this space, as will Macau's Cotai Strip, and even Parliament House down under in Canberra, Australia.
In this space, I'm sure glad to be a journalist, media agent and website portal developer, rather than an owner of a casino or online casino. The online poker and online casino happenings are most certainly extremely newsworthy items to cover. It's of course part of the larger civil liberties and freedom of speech - censorship debate. We should have the right to do what we like in our homes, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. Also remember, sometimes the law is an ass, so just because something is legal or illegal, doesn't mean it is necessarily right or wrong. It just means its (current) law, some of which get changed for the better, some not.
As always, know your limits, bet with your head, not over it. If the gambling, or poker playing stops being enjoyable, its likely time to stop. Have fun, whether poker, pokies, spot the ball, or some other game tickles your fancy.
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August 6, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez has just introduced into the U.S. Senate a brand new piece of legislation designed to legalize and regulate Internet poker.
"To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing by the Secretary of the Treasury of Internet poker and other games that are predominantly of skill, to provide for consumer protections on the Internet, to enforce the tax code, and for other purposes," the bill begins.
The bill would establish a new legal regulatory framework for Internet poker in the United States, and also put in place certain consumer protections such as age restrictions. Officially entitled S.8309, the Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, it was introduced today.
No matter what success this bill meets with, it represents another huge milestone in the nationwide struggle to reclassify poker from gambling to a game of skill. This movement seeks to enable online poker to be not only legalized but also change the way it is regarded in popular culture.
That movement has gained a lot of transaction over the past year, with smaller court victories in states such as Colorado, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, and with Representative Barney Frank’s recent efforts to legalize and regulate certain sectors of online gambling with his own legislation (which is separate from this bill).
Home to the original U.S. gaming resort destination, Atlantic City, New Jersey has long had its own internal struggles regarding the legality of gaming, and has recently clashed with the federal government on this basis. So it makes sense that the author of this new legislation is is from New Jersey — and a Democrat, the party that is apparently more open to the idea of fully legalized online gambling. (Although it technically has bipartisan support, the vast majority of supporters of Barney Frank’s recent pro-Internet gambling efforts have been Democrats.)
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) not only supports the new bill, but has provided a copy of it at its website. Check it out here. (Credit: CAP)
Greg Tingle comment...
This online poker bill is most welcome news, and has been a long time coming.
Down under in Australia poker and I dare say, online poker, is already a strong part of our popular culture, just as are kangaroos, meat pies and Holden cars, and having a punt on the (horse) races and a bit of a spin on the pokies. By the way, Sportingbet is introducing V8Bet, so punters can be on the V8 Supercar racing, (Holden and Ford).
Some may not like this, and some will, but there's strong rumblings that sports betting might try to significantly ride off the back of this poker bill, as there could be legal arguments that there certainly are elements of skill (knowledge etc) in picking sports bet winners. A similar scenario of sorts with the game known as "Spot The Ball", which has long been a part of British culture, with numerous British newspapers running Spot The Ball competitions. Property listing companies such as Play4Property.com are taking the Spot The Ball game internationally, which isn't that hard to do with the internet as an medium of media, backed up by traditional media, journalism, marketing et al.
Friends, the rules have changed, and will continue to, in regards to online poker, online games of skill, online gambling, and the way business is conducted between people, corporations, media companies et al.
A few apt quotes from some gentlemen with some good ideas and track record of success, getting things done, and changing the world, and the rules of play!
James Packer - "Internet is like electricity"
Rupert Murdoch - "Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow"
Charles Darwin - "In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed"
My tip, look to California to plug into online poker, online sports betting, and quite likely, online gambling as a whole. They have been pro active and early adopters on other social issues such as the environment, poverty and health.
You can bet that Harrah's Entertainment and their chain of hotel - casino - resorts will be watching this space, as will Macau's Cotai Strip, and even Parliament House down under in Canberra, Australia.
In this space, I'm sure glad to be a journalist, media agent and website portal developer, rather than an owner of a casino or online casino. The online poker and online casino happenings are most certainly extremely newsworthy items to cover. It's of course part of the larger civil liberties and freedom of speech - censorship debate. We should have the right to do what we like in our homes, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. Also remember, sometimes the law is an ass, so just because something is legal or illegal, doesn't mean it is necessarily right or wrong. It just means its (current) law, some of which get changed for the better, some not.
As always, know your limits, bet with your head, not over it. If the gambling, or poker playing stops being enjoyable, its likely time to stop. Have fun, whether poker, pokies, spot the ball, or some other game tickles your fancy.
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Thursday, July 30, 2009
Chairman Frank's Bill to Regulate Internet Gambling Reaches 50 Co-Sponsors
WASHINGTON, July 28 PRNewswire-USNewswire -- We are pleased to report that there are now 50 members of Congress signed on as co-sponsors of the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267), legislation introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services
"Reaching this milestone illustrates that momentum is growing for a shift in U.S. policy and a rewrite of U.S. Internet gambling laws," said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. "The list of supporters will continue to grow as more representatives are educated on the subject and increasingly hear from their constituents that Internet gambling regulation presents the only viable way to protect consumers, since attempts to prohibit the activity have completely failed. We also expect an increased spotlight on Internet gambling as a way to augment federal revenues and help cover the cost of necessary policy initiatives."
Among the bipartisan group of 50 co-sponsors are many senior ranking representatives, including George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor; John Conyers (D-MI), chairman of the Committee of the Judiciary; Charles Rangel (D-NY), chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means; Edolphus Towns (D-NY), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; Pete King (R-NY), ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee; and Ron Paul (R-TX), vice-chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. (A complete list of co-sponsors is included below.)
Rep. Frank's bill would establish a framework to permit licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from individuals in the U.S. and mandates a number of significant consumer protections, including safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identify theft. Additional provisions in the legislation reinforce the rights of each state to determine whether to allow Internet gambling activity for people accessing the Internet within the state and to apply other restrictions on the activity as determined necessary. The legislation also would allow states and Native American tribes with experience in regulating gambling to play a role in the regulatory process.
An analysis shows that collecting taxes on regulated Internet gambling would allow the U.S. to capture much-needed revenue in an amount ranging from $48.6 billion (excluding online sports gambling) to $62.7 billion (including online sports gambling) over the next decade.
The following is a complete list of Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267) co-sponsors:
Alaska
Don Young (R At-Large)
Arizona
Raul Grijalva (D 7th)
California
Michael Thompson (D 1st)
George Miller (D 7th)
Michael Honda (D 15th)
Linda Sanchez (D 39th)
Bob Filner (D 51st)
Colorado
Jared Polis (D 2nd)
Ed Perlmutter (D 7th)
Connecticut
Joe Courtney (D 2nd)
Florida
Robert Wexler (D 19th)
Alcee Hastings (D 23rd)
Hawaii
Neil Abercrombie (D 1st)
Idaho
Walt Minnick (D 1st)
Illinois
Luis Gutierrez (D 4th)
Bill Foster (D 14th)
Indiana
Andre Carson (D 7th)
Massachusetts
James McGovern (D 3rd)
Barney Frank (D 4th)
Michael Capuano (D 8th)
William Delahunt (D 10th)
Michigan
John Conyers (D 14th)
Nevada
Shelley Berkley (D 1st)
New Hampshire
Paul Hodes (D 2nd)
New Jersey
Robert Andrews (D 1st)
Frank LoBiondo (R 2nd)
John Adler (D 3rd)
Steven Rothman (D 9th)
New York
Tim Bishop (D 1st)
Steve Israel (D 2nd)
Peter King (R 3rd)
Carolyn McCarthy (D 4th)
Gary Ackerman (D 5th)
Joseph Crowley (D 7th)
Jerrold Nadler (D 8th)
Edolphus Towns (D 10th)
Mike McMahon (D 13th)
Charles Rangel (D 15th)
Paul Tonko (D 21st)
North Carolina
Melvin Watt (D 12th)
Ohio
Steve Driehaus (D 1st)
Tim Ryan (D 17th)
Oregon
Earl Blumenauer (D 3rd)
Tennessee
Steve Cohen (D 9th)
Texas
Ron Paul (R 14th)
Ciro Rodriguez (D 23rd)
Virginia
Bobby Scott (D 3rd)
Tom Perriello (D 5th)
James Moran (D 8th)
Washington
Jim McDermott (D 7th)
About Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative
The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative promotes the freedom of individuals to gamble online with the proper safeguards to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions. For more information on the Initiative, please visit www.safeandsecureig.org. The Web site provides a means by which individuals can register support for regulated Internet gambling with their elected representatives.
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"Reaching this milestone illustrates that momentum is growing for a shift in U.S. policy and a rewrite of U.S. Internet gambling laws," said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. "The list of supporters will continue to grow as more representatives are educated on the subject and increasingly hear from their constituents that Internet gambling regulation presents the only viable way to protect consumers, since attempts to prohibit the activity have completely failed. We also expect an increased spotlight on Internet gambling as a way to augment federal revenues and help cover the cost of necessary policy initiatives."
Among the bipartisan group of 50 co-sponsors are many senior ranking representatives, including George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor; John Conyers (D-MI), chairman of the Committee of the Judiciary; Charles Rangel (D-NY), chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means; Edolphus Towns (D-NY), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; Pete King (R-NY), ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee; and Ron Paul (R-TX), vice-chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. (A complete list of co-sponsors is included below.)
Rep. Frank's bill would establish a framework to permit licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from individuals in the U.S. and mandates a number of significant consumer protections, including safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identify theft. Additional provisions in the legislation reinforce the rights of each state to determine whether to allow Internet gambling activity for people accessing the Internet within the state and to apply other restrictions on the activity as determined necessary. The legislation also would allow states and Native American tribes with experience in regulating gambling to play a role in the regulatory process.
An analysis shows that collecting taxes on regulated Internet gambling would allow the U.S. to capture much-needed revenue in an amount ranging from $48.6 billion (excluding online sports gambling) to $62.7 billion (including online sports gambling) over the next decade.
The following is a complete list of Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2267) co-sponsors:
Alaska
Don Young (R At-Large)
Arizona
Raul Grijalva (D 7th)
California
Michael Thompson (D 1st)
George Miller (D 7th)
Michael Honda (D 15th)
Linda Sanchez (D 39th)
Bob Filner (D 51st)
Colorado
Jared Polis (D 2nd)
Ed Perlmutter (D 7th)
Connecticut
Joe Courtney (D 2nd)
Florida
Robert Wexler (D 19th)
Alcee Hastings (D 23rd)
Hawaii
Neil Abercrombie (D 1st)
Idaho
Walt Minnick (D 1st)
Illinois
Luis Gutierrez (D 4th)
Bill Foster (D 14th)
Indiana
Andre Carson (D 7th)
Massachusetts
James McGovern (D 3rd)
Barney Frank (D 4th)
Michael Capuano (D 8th)
William Delahunt (D 10th)
Michigan
John Conyers (D 14th)
Nevada
Shelley Berkley (D 1st)
New Hampshire
Paul Hodes (D 2nd)
New Jersey
Robert Andrews (D 1st)
Frank LoBiondo (R 2nd)
John Adler (D 3rd)
Steven Rothman (D 9th)
New York
Tim Bishop (D 1st)
Steve Israel (D 2nd)
Peter King (R 3rd)
Carolyn McCarthy (D 4th)
Gary Ackerman (D 5th)
Joseph Crowley (D 7th)
Jerrold Nadler (D 8th)
Edolphus Towns (D 10th)
Mike McMahon (D 13th)
Charles Rangel (D 15th)
Paul Tonko (D 21st)
North Carolina
Melvin Watt (D 12th)
Ohio
Steve Driehaus (D 1st)
Tim Ryan (D 17th)
Oregon
Earl Blumenauer (D 3rd)
Tennessee
Steve Cohen (D 9th)
Texas
Ron Paul (R 14th)
Ciro Rodriguez (D 23rd)
Virginia
Bobby Scott (D 3rd)
Tom Perriello (D 5th)
James Moran (D 8th)
Washington
Jim McDermott (D 7th)
About Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative
The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative promotes the freedom of individuals to gamble online with the proper safeguards to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions. For more information on the Initiative, please visit www.safeandsecureig.org. The Web site provides a means by which individuals can register support for regulated Internet gambling with their elected representatives.
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Friday, July 03, 2009
Call to sell off more pokies, by Kim Wheatley - News Limited - 1st July 2009
Welfare groups have called on the Government to deregulate poker machine sales - even if it means pubs make a windfall profit.
This follows the stalling of the Government's planned cull of 3000 poker machines, which was introduced in 2005.
The Australian Hotels Association said the $50,000 cap on the sale of the machines wasn't enough of an "incentive" to sell the 750 that were yet to be removed.
Interstate, where the market is deregulated, machines have sold for as little as $13,000 or as much as $300,000.
SHOULD THE NUMBER OF POKIES BE CAPPED IN PUBS? Have your say in the poll to the right of this page and in the comment box below.
While welfare groups and the Opposition remain critical of the Government for failing to deliver on its promise, Uniting Care Wesley's Mark Henley called for the immediate introduction of the open market – despite the prospect of the pubs hitting the jackpot.
"That's better than having more venues, more machines and more problem gambling," he said.
But AHA (SA) general manager Ian Horne said the removal of the machines "had no real impact on revenue, and it's hard to see how it's had any effect on problem gambling".
In a Budget Estimates hearing on Friday, Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the Government was waiting for a February Productivity Commission report before considering any industry changes.
Opposition gambling spokeswoman Michelle Lensink claimed the Government was "sneakily trying to hang on to the tax revenue generated". (Credit: News Limited)
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This follows the stalling of the Government's planned cull of 3000 poker machines, which was introduced in 2005.
The Australian Hotels Association said the $50,000 cap on the sale of the machines wasn't enough of an "incentive" to sell the 750 that were yet to be removed.
Interstate, where the market is deregulated, machines have sold for as little as $13,000 or as much as $300,000.
SHOULD THE NUMBER OF POKIES BE CAPPED IN PUBS? Have your say in the poll to the right of this page and in the comment box below.
While welfare groups and the Opposition remain critical of the Government for failing to deliver on its promise, Uniting Care Wesley's Mark Henley called for the immediate introduction of the open market – despite the prospect of the pubs hitting the jackpot.
"That's better than having more venues, more machines and more problem gambling," he said.
But AHA (SA) general manager Ian Horne said the removal of the machines "had no real impact on revenue, and it's hard to see how it's had any effect on problem gambling".
In a Budget Estimates hearing on Friday, Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the Government was waiting for a February Productivity Commission report before considering any industry changes.
Opposition gambling spokeswoman Michelle Lensink claimed the Government was "sneakily trying to hang on to the tax revenue generated". (Credit: News Limited)
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Monday, June 15, 2009
Packer wobbled on whether to run Keating piggery story, by Jane Schulze - The Australian - 15th June 2009
The late Kerry Packer was so concerned about whether 60 Minutes should broadcast a controversial story about former prime minister Paul Keating's investment in a piggery that he required "quite a session" to be convinced.
John Westacott, who was executive producer of 60 Minutes when the story aired in 1999, and who is today announcing his retirement as the Nine Network's director of news and current affairs, says that Nine's then owner was wobbling on whether to broadcast the story.
"Keating accused Kerry of being behind it but that was absolute rubbish," Mr Westacott told The Australian.
"We (he and the late journalist Paul Lyneham) had quite a session with Kerry to convince him the story should be run because it was true and it was a story that should be told.
"Kerry was concerned about the political fallout over the story and checked at great length with the lawyers about the veracity of what we were saying," Mr Westacott said. "Finally, Paul Lyneham won the day. He told Kerry that if he didn't like a bit of heat 'why didn't he go and start running a shoe shop?' and that hewas a publisher and should publish.
"So Kerry said 'publish your story but I tell you here and now we will all live to remember this day'. And he was quite right.
"Both Lyneham and I lost friends in the Labor Party who didn't think this was right or wrong but that it was beyond the pale to besmirch a PM.
"And Kerry copped a lot of flak for supposedly orchestrating the story."
The original 60 Minutes story alleged Mr Keating had suspect dealings with the Commonwealth Bank relating to the piggery investment.
But no wrongdoing was ever found and an investigation ordered by the Howard government also cleared the former Labor leader.
But the broadcast fanned a longstanding feud between Mr Keating and Mr Packer.
Mr Keating at one stage said Mr Packer's company had "demonstrated it is not fit to hold the licence to telecast over the Channel Nine spectrum" and accused 60 Minutes of being "thuggish".
Westacott, who was in the 60 Minutes role for 16 years, said Mr Packer did not interfere with editorial decisions on the program.
"One of the reasons I was here for so long was because I very much admired and liked working for the bloke.
"He backed all our investigations. I found him supportive and direct and thoroughly understanding of what I did for a living.
"People ask if he interfered, but I never received a directive of how a story should be angled or what story should be pursued. But I did get plenty of advice after the event -- and not all of it was congratulatory.
"But never in the whole time of 60 Minutes did I ever get told 'you should be doing this' or 'do this story for me'.
"But he was always prepared to listen and have the debate and I think he enjoyed that.
"And I enjoyed having it, because he's the proprietor and you have to be able to defend your position," Mr Westacott said. (Credit: The Australian)
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John Westacott, who was executive producer of 60 Minutes when the story aired in 1999, and who is today announcing his retirement as the Nine Network's director of news and current affairs, says that Nine's then owner was wobbling on whether to broadcast the story.
"Keating accused Kerry of being behind it but that was absolute rubbish," Mr Westacott told The Australian.
"We (he and the late journalist Paul Lyneham) had quite a session with Kerry to convince him the story should be run because it was true and it was a story that should be told.
"Kerry was concerned about the political fallout over the story and checked at great length with the lawyers about the veracity of what we were saying," Mr Westacott said. "Finally, Paul Lyneham won the day. He told Kerry that if he didn't like a bit of heat 'why didn't he go and start running a shoe shop?' and that hewas a publisher and should publish.
"So Kerry said 'publish your story but I tell you here and now we will all live to remember this day'. And he was quite right.
"Both Lyneham and I lost friends in the Labor Party who didn't think this was right or wrong but that it was beyond the pale to besmirch a PM.
"And Kerry copped a lot of flak for supposedly orchestrating the story."
The original 60 Minutes story alleged Mr Keating had suspect dealings with the Commonwealth Bank relating to the piggery investment.
But no wrongdoing was ever found and an investigation ordered by the Howard government also cleared the former Labor leader.
But the broadcast fanned a longstanding feud between Mr Keating and Mr Packer.
Mr Keating at one stage said Mr Packer's company had "demonstrated it is not fit to hold the licence to telecast over the Channel Nine spectrum" and accused 60 Minutes of being "thuggish".
Westacott, who was in the 60 Minutes role for 16 years, said Mr Packer did not interfere with editorial decisions on the program.
"One of the reasons I was here for so long was because I very much admired and liked working for the bloke.
"He backed all our investigations. I found him supportive and direct and thoroughly understanding of what I did for a living.
"People ask if he interfered, but I never received a directive of how a story should be angled or what story should be pursued. But I did get plenty of advice after the event -- and not all of it was congratulatory.
"But never in the whole time of 60 Minutes did I ever get told 'you should be doing this' or 'do this story for me'.
"But he was always prepared to listen and have the debate and I think he enjoyed that.
"And I enjoyed having it, because he's the proprietor and you have to be able to defend your position," Mr Westacott said. (Credit: The Australian)
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Saturday, May 23, 2009
Stimulus poured into the pokies, by Jason Dowling - The Age - 22nd May 2009
Millions of dollars in stimulus payments have been fed into Victoria's poker machines, new figures show.
Spending on the state's 27,500 poker machines outside of Crown Casino soared by almost 7 per cent last month, or an extra $14.4 million, as the Federal Government's $900 stimulus cheques washed through the community.
The payments have been a windfall for Victoria's poker-machine giants, Tatts Group, Tabcorp and Woolworths. Combining December and April, when most of the stimulus payments were made, the increase in pokies spending in Victoria was $45 million, or 10 per cent.
The Reverend Tim Costello said poker machine venues had been "advertising furiously" while the stimulus payments were flowing. "What this has stimulated is more marriage breakdowns and lost businesses and crime committed, because when (poker machine) income jumps as dramatically as this, addiction jumps, and that just tears communities apart."
He said the stimulus spending on pokies was a "sad, missed opportunity to create jobs".
Charles Livingstone, of Monash University's department of health science, said he was not surprised some people took their stimulus payments to poker machine venues.
"It highlights that there is always going to be a group of the people in the community who have relatively modest control over their ability to spend money on the pokies," he said.
"The problem we have got is a poker machine system that allows people to spend unlimited amounts of money in a short period of time."
Dr Livingstone is also concerned that recently retrenched workers may blow redundancy payments on poker machines.
Federal Government spokesman Matthew Martyn-Jones said most people had spent their stimulus money appropriately. "The spending choices of individuals are ultimately a matter for them, but we're confident the overwhelming majority of people are using their stimulus payments responsibly.
"The very clear evidence from retailers like Woolworths and Westfield is that the overwhelming majority of people have been spending their stimulus payments on the basics like children's clothing and nappies."
Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said the pokies figures were "further proof that the stimulus payments were poorly targeted, and it is sad to see money being wasted in this way". (Credit: Fairfax)
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Spending on the state's 27,500 poker machines outside of Crown Casino soared by almost 7 per cent last month, or an extra $14.4 million, as the Federal Government's $900 stimulus cheques washed through the community.
The payments have been a windfall for Victoria's poker-machine giants, Tatts Group, Tabcorp and Woolworths. Combining December and April, when most of the stimulus payments were made, the increase in pokies spending in Victoria was $45 million, or 10 per cent.
The Reverend Tim Costello said poker machine venues had been "advertising furiously" while the stimulus payments were flowing. "What this has stimulated is more marriage breakdowns and lost businesses and crime committed, because when (poker machine) income jumps as dramatically as this, addiction jumps, and that just tears communities apart."
He said the stimulus spending on pokies was a "sad, missed opportunity to create jobs".
Charles Livingstone, of Monash University's department of health science, said he was not surprised some people took their stimulus payments to poker machine venues.
"It highlights that there is always going to be a group of the people in the community who have relatively modest control over their ability to spend money on the pokies," he said.
"The problem we have got is a poker machine system that allows people to spend unlimited amounts of money in a short period of time."
Dr Livingstone is also concerned that recently retrenched workers may blow redundancy payments on poker machines.
Federal Government spokesman Matthew Martyn-Jones said most people had spent their stimulus money appropriately. "The spending choices of individuals are ultimately a matter for them, but we're confident the overwhelming majority of people are using their stimulus payments responsibly.
"The very clear evidence from retailers like Woolworths and Westfield is that the overwhelming majority of people have been spending their stimulus payments on the basics like children's clothing and nappies."
Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said the pokies figures were "further proof that the stimulus payments were poorly targeted, and it is sad to see money being wasted in this way". (Credit: Fairfax)
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A-G to check casino's hand, by Stephen McMahon - Herald Sun - 19th May 2009
The Auditor-General will probe the deal under which Crown casino won an expansion of its gaming tables.
"(We have) asked the Auditor-General to probe the Crown deal, so taxpayers can learn the details of this deal which John Brumby refuses to disclose," Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said yesterday.
The casino may pocket up to $320 million in profits from the deal, which will generate about $60 million for Victorian taxpayers.
The Government is under pressure to reveal whether it received independent advice on whether the deal delivers value for taxpayers over the next four years.
Based on an auditor-general's report on a similar deal in 1995, ANZ chief economist Saul Eslake told the Herald Sun the new deal, revealed just hours before the handing down of the federal Budget, could give the casino earnings of $239 million-$321 million, taking into account inflation over the past 14 years. (Credit: Herald Sun)
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"(We have) asked the Auditor-General to probe the Crown deal, so taxpayers can learn the details of this deal which John Brumby refuses to disclose," Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said yesterday.
The casino may pocket up to $320 million in profits from the deal, which will generate about $60 million for Victorian taxpayers.
The Government is under pressure to reveal whether it received independent advice on whether the deal delivers value for taxpayers over the next four years.
Based on an auditor-general's report on a similar deal in 1995, ANZ chief economist Saul Eslake told the Herald Sun the new deal, revealed just hours before the handing down of the federal Budget, could give the casino earnings of $239 million-$321 million, taking into account inflation over the past 14 years. (Credit: Herald Sun)
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Monday, May 18, 2009
Casino tax boost 'vital for hospitals', by Michelle Draper - Fairfax - 18th May 2009
Victoria's public hospitals will suffer if the opposition blocks a deal to raise taxes on gaming machines at Crown Casino, Victorian premier John Brumby says.
The deal between Crown and the state government, announced on the day of the federal budget last week, allows the casino to expand its gaming floor and introduce 150 more games tables in return for increased taxes on its poker machines.
But opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien said it was wrong to link health funding and gambling revenue.
"If John Brumby doesn't think he's capable of running our hospitals without expanding the casino he should get out of the job," Mr O'Brien told AAP.
"If John Brumby wants to link the number of hospital beds to the number of gaming tables it shows you he's got his priorities wrong."
Mr Brumby said that if the Liberals voted against the deal they would be helping the casino.
"If the Liberal Party votes against it they'll be doing Crown Casino a favour by giving them ... a level of tax on gaming machines which is much more favourable than that paid by other gaming operators," he told reporters on Monday.
Mr Brumby said raising the tax on gaming machines at Crown to bring the casino into line with other operators was "the right thing to do, it's the right social policy".
"If the Liberal Party votes against it that'll be a matter for them but they will be denying the state much-needed revenue to run our public hospital system," he said.
Mr O'Brien said that if the government wanted to secure parliamentary support for the proposal, Mr Brumby would have to come clean on how the deal was struck with Crown by releasing all related correspondence and documents.
"We're not going to be bullied into rubber-stamping a deal to massively expand gambling by John Brumby," Mr O'Brien said.
The deal must go through parliament because the tax rates the casino pays and its site come under a legislative agreement between Crown and the state government.
Legislation is expected to go before the lower house in June.
Under the proposal, while Crown has agreed to a phased hike of 10 per cent in the taxes it pays on poker machines, which will reach 32.5 per cent by 2014/15, it will no longer have to pay a $4,333 health levy per pokie machine, worth $10.8 million a year, from 2012.
The added taxes on Crown's poker machines would provide another $60 million over a four-year period.
This financial year, Victoria is expected to rake in about $1.6 billion in gaming revenue. (Credit: Fairfax)
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The deal between Crown and the state government, announced on the day of the federal budget last week, allows the casino to expand its gaming floor and introduce 150 more games tables in return for increased taxes on its poker machines.
But opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien said it was wrong to link health funding and gambling revenue.
"If John Brumby doesn't think he's capable of running our hospitals without expanding the casino he should get out of the job," Mr O'Brien told AAP.
"If John Brumby wants to link the number of hospital beds to the number of gaming tables it shows you he's got his priorities wrong."
Mr Brumby said that if the Liberals voted against the deal they would be helping the casino.
"If the Liberal Party votes against it they'll be doing Crown Casino a favour by giving them ... a level of tax on gaming machines which is much more favourable than that paid by other gaming operators," he told reporters on Monday.
Mr Brumby said raising the tax on gaming machines at Crown to bring the casino into line with other operators was "the right thing to do, it's the right social policy".
"If the Liberal Party votes against it that'll be a matter for them but they will be denying the state much-needed revenue to run our public hospital system," he said.
Mr O'Brien said that if the government wanted to secure parliamentary support for the proposal, Mr Brumby would have to come clean on how the deal was struck with Crown by releasing all related correspondence and documents.
"We're not going to be bullied into rubber-stamping a deal to massively expand gambling by John Brumby," Mr O'Brien said.
The deal must go through parliament because the tax rates the casino pays and its site come under a legislative agreement between Crown and the state government.
Legislation is expected to go before the lower house in June.
Under the proposal, while Crown has agreed to a phased hike of 10 per cent in the taxes it pays on poker machines, which will reach 32.5 per cent by 2014/15, it will no longer have to pay a $4,333 health levy per pokie machine, worth $10.8 million a year, from 2012.
The added taxes on Crown's poker machines would provide another $60 million over a four-year period.
This financial year, Victoria is expected to rake in about $1.6 billion in gaming revenue. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
Just look who's talking, Mr Premier, by Peter Rolfe - Sunday Herald Sun - 15th May 2009
Premier John Brumby has come under attack for reversing his hard-line stance on casino deals that deliver extra revenue to gaming operators without public debate.
Former premier Jeff Kennett broke his silence on the issue yesterday as a Sunday Herald Sun analysis of parliamentary documents and public statements revealed Mr Brumby and Attorney-General Rob Hulls were scathing of the Kennett government's plans to introduce 150 new gambling tables at Crown casino in 1995.
Mr Kennett claimed they said expanding the casino was "unjustifiable" and "irresponsible".
During the week, the Brumby Government announced a similar deal to add 150 new gaming tables to Crown, a staged increase in tax rates for gaming machines and an increase in the casino's gaming area.
Mr Kennett said that after "violently opposing" his casino deal and the Formula One Grand Prix in Opposition, the Brumby Government was now "hugging them so tightly it is almost sexual".
He said the Government had been "less than transparent", but did not blame Mr Brumby for "trading off" a tax rise for gaming machines at the casino for more tables.
"The Premier of the day and his Government have the right to make any decision they like and it will be tested by Parliament," he said.
"I think the mistake here is that it hasn't been done openly and, in fact, it seems to have been dragged out by the media and the Opposition in terms of trying to get Mr Brumby to tell how and where the deal was made."
The Opposition has written to Auditor-General Des Pearson urging him to launch an urgent review into the deal, which it said was shrouded in secrecy and against the interests of taxpayers.
It estimated the tables would lead to gambling losses of $1 billion in the next 10 years.
But the Government was standing by its position, saying its latest deal is the right thing to do.
As Opposition leader, Mr Brumby's 1995 policy was for Crown to have no more than 200 tables.
The proposed deal would push the number of tables at Crown to 500 and see a tax rise of 10 per cent on the casino's 2500 gaming machines.
A 1995 press release sent out by Mr Brumby as Opposition leader was titled "Casino culture not the way forward for Victoria."
In 1997, Mr Hulls told Parliament that "under no circumstances" should the government grant any concessions to the casino or change any licence conditions".
"People are sick and tired of their interests playing second fiddle to those of Crown casino," he said.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the Government had committed a "spectacular backflip".
"John Brumby's hypocrisy on gambling knows no bounds," he said.
As anti-gambling groups condemned the Crown deal, a spokesman for Mr Brumby last night defended his actions.
"This decision virtually equalises tax regimes between Crown and other gaming venues and enables Crown to effectively compete with casinos interstate and internationally," he said.
Crown founders Ron Walker and Lloyd Williams declined to comment on the casino agreement.
"I left Crown in 2000, it's now 2009 and I'm history," Mr Williams said.
Opposition gambling spokesman Michael O'Brien said the Government also had to explain why a new licence fee - similar to the $85 million deal done with Crown in 1995 - had not been announced.
"This is rolled gold hypocrisy from John Brumby - he's doing exactly the same thing that he was complaining about in 1995," he said.
Legislation endorsing the gaming changes is likely to be voted on along party lines when it goes to Parliament, meaning the Government will need all 19 Upper House members and two other MPs to pass it. (Credit: Sunday Herald Sun)
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Former premier Jeff Kennett broke his silence on the issue yesterday as a Sunday Herald Sun analysis of parliamentary documents and public statements revealed Mr Brumby and Attorney-General Rob Hulls were scathing of the Kennett government's plans to introduce 150 new gambling tables at Crown casino in 1995.
Mr Kennett claimed they said expanding the casino was "unjustifiable" and "irresponsible".
During the week, the Brumby Government announced a similar deal to add 150 new gaming tables to Crown, a staged increase in tax rates for gaming machines and an increase in the casino's gaming area.
Mr Kennett said that after "violently opposing" his casino deal and the Formula One Grand Prix in Opposition, the Brumby Government was now "hugging them so tightly it is almost sexual".
He said the Government had been "less than transparent", but did not blame Mr Brumby for "trading off" a tax rise for gaming machines at the casino for more tables.
"The Premier of the day and his Government have the right to make any decision they like and it will be tested by Parliament," he said.
"I think the mistake here is that it hasn't been done openly and, in fact, it seems to have been dragged out by the media and the Opposition in terms of trying to get Mr Brumby to tell how and where the deal was made."
The Opposition has written to Auditor-General Des Pearson urging him to launch an urgent review into the deal, which it said was shrouded in secrecy and against the interests of taxpayers.
It estimated the tables would lead to gambling losses of $1 billion in the next 10 years.
But the Government was standing by its position, saying its latest deal is the right thing to do.
As Opposition leader, Mr Brumby's 1995 policy was for Crown to have no more than 200 tables.
The proposed deal would push the number of tables at Crown to 500 and see a tax rise of 10 per cent on the casino's 2500 gaming machines.
A 1995 press release sent out by Mr Brumby as Opposition leader was titled "Casino culture not the way forward for Victoria."
In 1997, Mr Hulls told Parliament that "under no circumstances" should the government grant any concessions to the casino or change any licence conditions".
"People are sick and tired of their interests playing second fiddle to those of Crown casino," he said.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the Government had committed a "spectacular backflip".
"John Brumby's hypocrisy on gambling knows no bounds," he said.
As anti-gambling groups condemned the Crown deal, a spokesman for Mr Brumby last night defended his actions.
"This decision virtually equalises tax regimes between Crown and other gaming venues and enables Crown to effectively compete with casinos interstate and internationally," he said.
Crown founders Ron Walker and Lloyd Williams declined to comment on the casino agreement.
"I left Crown in 2000, it's now 2009 and I'm history," Mr Williams said.
Opposition gambling spokesman Michael O'Brien said the Government also had to explain why a new licence fee - similar to the $85 million deal done with Crown in 1995 - had not been announced.
"This is rolled gold hypocrisy from John Brumby - he's doing exactly the same thing that he was complaining about in 1995," he said.
Legislation endorsing the gaming changes is likely to be voted on along party lines when it goes to Parliament, meaning the Government will need all 19 Upper House members and two other MPs to pass it. (Credit: Sunday Herald Sun)
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Americans to Obama: Legalize Online Poker!
Citizens Briefing Book shows strong demand for full legalization of Internet poker (among many other ideas)
May 14, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- An online survey released by the U.S. White House this week shows what's really on Americans' minds when it comes to priorities for the new president. Among the most important action items is "Boost American Economy with Legal Online Poker".
The report, called the Citizen’s Briefing Book, compiled the opinions of 125,000 U.S. citizens in an effort to illustrate to the new president what his priorities should be, as defined by the public he serves. The report is officially addressed “to President Barack Obama, from the American people”.
The suggestions are broken down into 10 categories: Economy, Education, Energy & Environment, Foreign Policy, Health Care, Homeland Security, Service, Technology, Veterans, and Additional Issues.
Number one on the list of Technology suggestions: “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker” (followed closely by “Restore Net Neutrality Protections to the Internet”, an issue that’s also relevant to the iGaming industry given the recent censorious activities in Minnesota).
"Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution," the report quotes a voter's opinion. "Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and American players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated."
Sure, this is a document of opinions, and not one of official policy. But, given President Obama's focus on popular issues, as well as his general popularity in the U.S., it's very likely that he'll heed at least some of the report's suggestions.
In addition to the welcome news that Americans really, really want to get online poker legalized, this story is also significant because the Washington Post chose to highlight online poker as one of the three most important conclusions from the report. Combined with the recent surge of interest from the mainstream news industry on the issue of legalized online gambling (see yesterday’s story in the L.A. Times here), the media coverage of online gambling legal issues is rapidly growing, which is likely to help Barney Frank's drive to repeal the UIGEA bans.
Click here to read the Washington Post’s writeup on the story; click here to read the Citizens Briefing Book directly at the official White House website.
(Credit: CAP)
Greg Tingle comment...
President Barack Obama advises the American people that they listen, and the American people are speaking. Just like down under here in Australia, the people have long enjoyed a game of poker... (a game of skill). Then the internet came along, and the rest is history. Barack Obama and his team might do well to get in the ear and consult with California's Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has shown great listening skills and leadership in going after other important matters such as the environment, support for the average person, and he's embraced technology advancements, even having his office plugged into social networking websites and the like. Barack Obama is also pretty tech savvy so on the surface it appears these two great leaders would share some common ground which is a great place to start these talks from. And... it appears these talks would have potential to do wonders for the American economy. You can bet that the likes of the switched on teams at PartyGaming, BetUS, Virgin Games, Boss Media, Playtech, Microgaming, Harrah's Entertainment, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker and even Australia's James Packer and co, and a few others, would be watching with great interest.
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May 14, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- An online survey released by the U.S. White House this week shows what's really on Americans' minds when it comes to priorities for the new president. Among the most important action items is "Boost American Economy with Legal Online Poker".
The report, called the Citizen’s Briefing Book, compiled the opinions of 125,000 U.S. citizens in an effort to illustrate to the new president what his priorities should be, as defined by the public he serves. The report is officially addressed “to President Barack Obama, from the American people”.
The suggestions are broken down into 10 categories: Economy, Education, Energy & Environment, Foreign Policy, Health Care, Homeland Security, Service, Technology, Veterans, and Additional Issues.
Number one on the list of Technology suggestions: “Boost America’s Economy with Legal Online Poker” (followed closely by “Restore Net Neutrality Protections to the Internet”, an issue that’s also relevant to the iGaming industry given the recent censorious activities in Minnesota).
"Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution," the report quotes a voter's opinion. "Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and American players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated."
Sure, this is a document of opinions, and not one of official policy. But, given President Obama's focus on popular issues, as well as his general popularity in the U.S., it's very likely that he'll heed at least some of the report's suggestions.
In addition to the welcome news that Americans really, really want to get online poker legalized, this story is also significant because the Washington Post chose to highlight online poker as one of the three most important conclusions from the report. Combined with the recent surge of interest from the mainstream news industry on the issue of legalized online gambling (see yesterday’s story in the L.A. Times here), the media coverage of online gambling legal issues is rapidly growing, which is likely to help Barney Frank's drive to repeal the UIGEA bans.
Click here to read the Washington Post’s writeup on the story; click here to read the Citizens Briefing Book directly at the official White House website.
(Credit: CAP)
Greg Tingle comment...
President Barack Obama advises the American people that they listen, and the American people are speaking. Just like down under here in Australia, the people have long enjoyed a game of poker... (a game of skill). Then the internet came along, and the rest is history. Barack Obama and his team might do well to get in the ear and consult with California's Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has shown great listening skills and leadership in going after other important matters such as the environment, support for the average person, and he's embraced technology advancements, even having his office plugged into social networking websites and the like. Barack Obama is also pretty tech savvy so on the surface it appears these two great leaders would share some common ground which is a great place to start these talks from. And... it appears these talks would have potential to do wonders for the American economy. You can bet that the likes of the switched on teams at PartyGaming, BetUS, Virgin Games, Boss Media, Playtech, Microgaming, Harrah's Entertainment, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker and even Australia's James Packer and co, and a few others, would be watching with great interest.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Crown Casino deal could be blocked - Fairfax - 14th May 2009
A controversial deal by Victoria's government to expand Crown Casino could be blocked when it reaches parliament.
The deal, announced earlier this week, will allow Crown to expand its gaming area by introducing 150 new gaming tables, in return for paying increased taxes.
It has provoked outrage from the opposition and gambling opponents, who say the arrangement was hatched in secret and will contribute to problem gambling.
Opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien said it was a realistic option for the Coalition to block the bill.
"We will use the parliamentary process to use the scrutiny that (Premier) John Brumby's tried to avoid and to engage in the consultation that John Brumby's refused to do."
The deal must go through parliament because the tax rates the casino pays and the site it is on comes under a legislative agreement between Crown and the state government.
Mr O'Brien said the Coalition had no confidence in the deal.
"At this stage, every option is on the table from the Coalition's perspective," Mr O'Brien told reporters.
"This is a deal concocted in secret, leaked out on budget day because the government is embarrassed by it."
Victorian Greens MP Greg Barber said the bill had no "guarantee of passage".
Earlier, Mr Brumby defended the bill, saying it was "good public policy".
He refused to say whether cabinet had ratified the bill but denied claims he had discussed the commercial negotiations with Crown executive chairman James Packer.
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The deal, announced earlier this week, will allow Crown to expand its gaming area by introducing 150 new gaming tables, in return for paying increased taxes.
It has provoked outrage from the opposition and gambling opponents, who say the arrangement was hatched in secret and will contribute to problem gambling.
Opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien said it was a realistic option for the Coalition to block the bill.
"We will use the parliamentary process to use the scrutiny that (Premier) John Brumby's tried to avoid and to engage in the consultation that John Brumby's refused to do."
The deal must go through parliament because the tax rates the casino pays and the site it is on comes under a legislative agreement between Crown and the state government.
Mr O'Brien said the Coalition had no confidence in the deal.
"At this stage, every option is on the table from the Coalition's perspective," Mr O'Brien told reporters.
"This is a deal concocted in secret, leaked out on budget day because the government is embarrassed by it."
Victorian Greens MP Greg Barber said the bill had no "guarantee of passage".
Earlier, Mr Brumby defended the bill, saying it was "good public policy".
He refused to say whether cabinet had ratified the bill but denied claims he had discussed the commercial negotiations with Crown executive chairman James Packer.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
James Packer's Crown Casino Inks Deal With Victorian Government Raising Ire Of Anti Gaming Activists, by Greg Tingle - 13th May 2009
Despite a world wide recession and strong and vocal opposition against casinos and gambling in Australia, James Packer has pulled off a masterstroke by securing a win - win with his Melbourne based Crown Casino and Melbourne's Victorian government. The late, great, Kerry Packer would be proud.
The timing is excellent for Packer and his Crown empire which is expanding in Australia, Asia Pacific, and specifically Macau and its well publicised City Of Dreams.
It's a win - win - win, at least from the sides of Packer and the state government. Crown furthers its expansion and capacity in the casino, hotel, resort, entertainment sector, and readies itself for expanded world wide poker events, Crown investors and bean counters are happy, the state government guarantees itself a healthy tax revenue from Crown, said to be worth up to $60 million.
In addition it's more revenue and exposure for the Victorian and Australian tourism market.
Packer was recently spotted chatting with Virgin's Richard Branson who has long enjoyed ties to the Australian business market and considers Australia somewhat of a home away from home. One may speculate if Virgin Atlantic, V Australia and Packer's Crown may be in the mist of negotiations to fly casino whales around to the world's premier hotels and casinos. Branson explored a bricks and mortal casino deal in Macau a number of years ago however it never transpired, but has since ramped up the Virgin Games operation and made further inroads in Australia with the Australian Grand Prix and Virgin Active gyms to name but a few. It remains no secret that Crown and the rest of the Packer empire has vast experience and resources to secure many of the world's top entertainment acts. Crown was of course recently host to the 2009 TV Week Logie Awards.
Crown's recent deal with the Victorian government has raised the ire of anti gaming campaigners such as Rev Tim Costello and Dr Zirnsak, with comments being bandied around such as "cosy deal", "appalling", "vulnerable public", "buy off" and "in bed".
Up north in Sydney, Tabcorp's Star City Casino will be watching closely, as it looks to make the most of its $475 million dollar investment into its casino, recently host to an ACP Publishing's Ralph swimsuit fashion competition.
It will be interesting to see how both the casino giants, state and federal governments play their cards as the casinos ramp up in what is shaping up to be the worst recession of the modern era.
Casinos are not merely casinos, but are as much a part of the entertainment and big business sector as much as anything else. Everyone is competing for the entertainment dollar and tourism dollar. These developments come at a time which Australia is attempting to hold off the worst of the world's financial markets collapse, much of which has a trail back to New York's Wall Street, with shades of Gibraltar, and involvement of the once generous banking institutions in the US. In the meantime Las Vegas is almost giving away beds in 5 star accommodation packages to bring in the punters.
Packer is also expanding his Seek.com, Perisher Blue - CPL resort project, but is not pursuing a rumoured Wikipedia.com project. Betfair, once very closely linked to Packer is said to remain on the ACMA's blacklist, despite holding numerous gaming and operating licences. Betfair is in heated discussions with the Dutch government and insiders advise they are likely to fully explore their legal options against the Australian Federal Government. You can bet that both PartyGaming and Harrah's Entertainment will be watching Crown's and Tabcorp's dealings with the state and federal governments, as will Team Schwarzenegger in California.
Australian casinos have bought themselves some breathing space whilst many leading financial analysts are saying that the worst of the recession is now over, at least from a casino owner - operators perspective.
Summary
Anti gaming activists up in arms over Crown Casino - Victorian Government deal
The "Health Benefit Levy", now at $4333 per electronic gaming machine per year, will be abolished from July 2012.
Australian casinos using somewhat different tactics to Las Vegas to hold off the worst of world wide recession
Crown Casino to get 150 new tables and up to 200 terminals for fully-automated multi-station table games
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The timing is excellent for Packer and his Crown empire which is expanding in Australia, Asia Pacific, and specifically Macau and its well publicised City Of Dreams.
It's a win - win - win, at least from the sides of Packer and the state government. Crown furthers its expansion and capacity in the casino, hotel, resort, entertainment sector, and readies itself for expanded world wide poker events, Crown investors and bean counters are happy, the state government guarantees itself a healthy tax revenue from Crown, said to be worth up to $60 million.
In addition it's more revenue and exposure for the Victorian and Australian tourism market.
Packer was recently spotted chatting with Virgin's Richard Branson who has long enjoyed ties to the Australian business market and considers Australia somewhat of a home away from home. One may speculate if Virgin Atlantic, V Australia and Packer's Crown may be in the mist of negotiations to fly casino whales around to the world's premier hotels and casinos. Branson explored a bricks and mortal casino deal in Macau a number of years ago however it never transpired, but has since ramped up the Virgin Games operation and made further inroads in Australia with the Australian Grand Prix and Virgin Active gyms to name but a few. It remains no secret that Crown and the rest of the Packer empire has vast experience and resources to secure many of the world's top entertainment acts. Crown was of course recently host to the 2009 TV Week Logie Awards.
Crown's recent deal with the Victorian government has raised the ire of anti gaming campaigners such as Rev Tim Costello and Dr Zirnsak, with comments being bandied around such as "cosy deal", "appalling", "vulnerable public", "buy off" and "in bed".
Up north in Sydney, Tabcorp's Star City Casino will be watching closely, as it looks to make the most of its $475 million dollar investment into its casino, recently host to an ACP Publishing's Ralph swimsuit fashion competition.
It will be interesting to see how both the casino giants, state and federal governments play their cards as the casinos ramp up in what is shaping up to be the worst recession of the modern era.
Casinos are not merely casinos, but are as much a part of the entertainment and big business sector as much as anything else. Everyone is competing for the entertainment dollar and tourism dollar. These developments come at a time which Australia is attempting to hold off the worst of the world's financial markets collapse, much of which has a trail back to New York's Wall Street, with shades of Gibraltar, and involvement of the once generous banking institutions in the US. In the meantime Las Vegas is almost giving away beds in 5 star accommodation packages to bring in the punters.
Packer is also expanding his Seek.com, Perisher Blue - CPL resort project, but is not pursuing a rumoured Wikipedia.com project. Betfair, once very closely linked to Packer is said to remain on the ACMA's blacklist, despite holding numerous gaming and operating licences. Betfair is in heated discussions with the Dutch government and insiders advise they are likely to fully explore their legal options against the Australian Federal Government. You can bet that both PartyGaming and Harrah's Entertainment will be watching Crown's and Tabcorp's dealings with the state and federal governments, as will Team Schwarzenegger in California.
Australian casinos have bought themselves some breathing space whilst many leading financial analysts are saying that the worst of the recession is now over, at least from a casino owner - operators perspective.
Summary
Anti gaming activists up in arms over Crown Casino - Victorian Government deal
The "Health Benefit Levy", now at $4333 per electronic gaming machine per year, will be abolished from July 2012.
Australian casinos using somewhat different tactics to Las Vegas to hold off the worst of world wide recession
Crown Casino to get 150 new tables and up to 200 terminals for fully-automated multi-station table games
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Govt approves Crown licence amendments - 12th May 2009
Victorian casino operator Crown Ltd says it has won approval from the state government to increase the number of table games at its Melbourne casino and to increase its floor area.
In return, Crown says it has agreed to a phased increase in the tax rate on electronic gaming machines - pokies.
The changes are the result of negotiations between Crown and the Victorian government under their Casino Management Agreement.
Under the new arrangements, Crown said in a statement on Tuesday, Crown Melbourne's casino licence will be amended to increase the maximum permitted number of table games, and fully automated multi-station table games will be allowed.
"The new limits will allow Crown to increase the number of traditional table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc) by about 100 tables and to also increase the number of poker tables by about 50 tables," Crown said in the statement.
The gaming floor will be expanded to accommodate the increased gaming capacity.
In return, Crown said it had agreed with the government that the tax on electronic gaming machines would be raised by 1.72 per cent each year for six years from 2009/10, resulting in a total tax increase of 10.32 per cent by 2014/15.
But Crown says another change to the agreement is that it won't have to pay the Health Benefit Levy, currently $4,333 per electronic machine per year, from July 1, 2012.
Crown said the Victorian Government had promised that it would initiate no further tax or levy changes before June 30, 2022 - 13 years away.
Crown's Executive Chairman, James Packer, said Crown Melbourne's gaming capacity had "long been constrained by its licence restrictions".
"These new arrangements now allow us to expand and improve the gaming floor in line with recent and future expansions to Crown's hotels, restaurants, retail and carparking," Mr Packer said.
"The expansion of the casino will be integrated into the major refurbishment program currently underway at Crown Melbourne and will complement the west end redevelopment of the complex, which includes the new third hotel and associated restaurants and retail facilities.
"This will assist us to maintain the Crown Entertainment Complex as one of the world's great casino/hotel complexes and a major tourism asset for Victoria," Mr Packer said.
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In return, Crown says it has agreed to a phased increase in the tax rate on electronic gaming machines - pokies.
The changes are the result of negotiations between Crown and the Victorian government under their Casino Management Agreement.
Under the new arrangements, Crown said in a statement on Tuesday, Crown Melbourne's casino licence will be amended to increase the maximum permitted number of table games, and fully automated multi-station table games will be allowed.
"The new limits will allow Crown to increase the number of traditional table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc) by about 100 tables and to also increase the number of poker tables by about 50 tables," Crown said in the statement.
The gaming floor will be expanded to accommodate the increased gaming capacity.
In return, Crown said it had agreed with the government that the tax on electronic gaming machines would be raised by 1.72 per cent each year for six years from 2009/10, resulting in a total tax increase of 10.32 per cent by 2014/15.
But Crown says another change to the agreement is that it won't have to pay the Health Benefit Levy, currently $4,333 per electronic machine per year, from July 1, 2012.
Crown said the Victorian Government had promised that it would initiate no further tax or levy changes before June 30, 2022 - 13 years away.
Crown's Executive Chairman, James Packer, said Crown Melbourne's gaming capacity had "long been constrained by its licence restrictions".
"These new arrangements now allow us to expand and improve the gaming floor in line with recent and future expansions to Crown's hotels, restaurants, retail and carparking," Mr Packer said.
"The expansion of the casino will be integrated into the major refurbishment program currently underway at Crown Melbourne and will complement the west end redevelopment of the complex, which includes the new third hotel and associated restaurants and retail facilities.
"This will assist us to maintain the Crown Entertainment Complex as one of the world's great casino/hotel complexes and a major tourism asset for Victoria," Mr Packer said.
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Crown expansion plan draws fire from critics, by Sarah-Jane Collins and Jason Dowling - The Sydney Morning Herald - 13th May 2009
Crown Casino has been granted its biggest expansion in gambling capacity since opening at its Southbank location more than a decade ago, in a deal attacked yesterday by campaigners for responsible gaming.
The casino, now one of the biggest in the world, will be able to increase its number of gambling tables by more than 40 per cent to 500 tables.
"Clearly the casino is being treated as the primary and first citizen of the state, with privileges that are really a cosy deal without the rest of the community having any say," the Reverend Tim Costello said.
The Victorian Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson, said the Government had agreed with Crown to alter their licence agreement to allow for 150 extra gaming tables and an expansion of the gaming floor. In exchange, Crown will pay about 10.5 per cent extra in poker machine taxes, bringing it into line with other pokie machine operators across Victoria. The increase will be implemented in 1.7 per cent increments over six years.
"This is bringing the tax that they pay on their poker machines up to the level that is paid by other entities across the state, so it's a good deal for taxpayers," Mr Robinson said.
He said allowing the expansion would ensure Crown remained the first choice casino destination in Australia.
"If people ultimately want to have the boiled sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled gold dark chocolate experience they're going to keep coming to Melbourne and we're going to ensure that."
Gary O'Neill, from Crown Casino, said the deal meant Crown would be able to keep up with growing rivals in Macau and Singapore. "The new mega complexes are very big. They will be very competitive and they will compete for the tourist dollar in this part of the world."
Mr O'Neill said the gaming floor at Crown would expand but final approval for an expansion rests with the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
Mark Zirnsak, from the Interfaith Gambling Taskforce described the expansion as appalling. "This, coming at a time when there's a global financial crisis, it's going to push more Victorians into being in hardship and vulnerable," he said.
Dr Zirnsak said the deal pointed to the "very cosy relationship between the Government and Crown".
"There's been no consultation on this expansion, which we believe there should have been, and the timing is indeed appalling," he said.
He said Crown did not need an expansion to remain competitive. "They've got a monopoly [in Victoria] and most of their patrons aren't millionaires flying in from overseas. They are locals," he said.
But he said he supported the increase in pokies taxes.
The Opposition's gaming spokesman, Michael O'Brien, said Mr Robinson had waited until budget day to announce the deal in an attempt to bury a bad decision. "Labor is clearly embarrassed by this gambling boost and tax grab, as it should be." (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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The casino, now one of the biggest in the world, will be able to increase its number of gambling tables by more than 40 per cent to 500 tables.
"Clearly the casino is being treated as the primary and first citizen of the state, with privileges that are really a cosy deal without the rest of the community having any say," the Reverend Tim Costello said.
The Victorian Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson, said the Government had agreed with Crown to alter their licence agreement to allow for 150 extra gaming tables and an expansion of the gaming floor. In exchange, Crown will pay about 10.5 per cent extra in poker machine taxes, bringing it into line with other pokie machine operators across Victoria. The increase will be implemented in 1.7 per cent increments over six years.
"This is bringing the tax that they pay on their poker machines up to the level that is paid by other entities across the state, so it's a good deal for taxpayers," Mr Robinson said.
He said allowing the expansion would ensure Crown remained the first choice casino destination in Australia.
"If people ultimately want to have the boiled sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled gold dark chocolate experience they're going to keep coming to Melbourne and we're going to ensure that."
Gary O'Neill, from Crown Casino, said the deal meant Crown would be able to keep up with growing rivals in Macau and Singapore. "The new mega complexes are very big. They will be very competitive and they will compete for the tourist dollar in this part of the world."
Mr O'Neill said the gaming floor at Crown would expand but final approval for an expansion rests with the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
Mark Zirnsak, from the Interfaith Gambling Taskforce described the expansion as appalling. "This, coming at a time when there's a global financial crisis, it's going to push more Victorians into being in hardship and vulnerable," he said.
Dr Zirnsak said the deal pointed to the "very cosy relationship between the Government and Crown".
"There's been no consultation on this expansion, which we believe there should have been, and the timing is indeed appalling," he said.
He said Crown did not need an expansion to remain competitive. "They've got a monopoly [in Victoria] and most of their patrons aren't millionaires flying in from overseas. They are locals," he said.
But he said he supported the increase in pokies taxes.
The Opposition's gaming spokesman, Michael O'Brien, said Mr Robinson had waited until budget day to announce the deal in an attempt to bury a bad decision. "Labor is clearly embarrassed by this gambling boost and tax grab, as it should be." (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Thursday, May 07, 2009
iMEGA Letter to ISPs: Reject Minnesota Online Gambling Blocking Order - Gambling911 - 5th May 2009
The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMEGA) has sent letters to Internet service providers Comcast, AT&T, Verizon and others, alerting them that they need not comply with an order to block access to Internet gambling Web sites that was issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED).
iMEGA's letter highlighted the state agency's error applying a federal law - the Wire Act of 1961 (18 USC 1084) - as the basis for issuing an order to block Minnesota residents from freely accessing 200 Web sites included on a "black list" created by DPS/AGED. In addition to a few popular sites, like FullTiltPoker.com and Bodog.com, the list included sites that did not accept business from US residents, and some that were no longer in business.
"Because website operators are not subscribers of yours, have no contracts with you and are not provided facilities by you, you should be aware the the MN DPS is attempting to mislead(either intentionally or inadvertently) you into believing that you are bound by federal law to do what the MN DPS asks," the letter stated. "In fact, [the Wire Act] simply does not apply to the web site operators and imposes no duty upon you and provides no authority to you to comply with the MN DPS request."
iMEGA sent the letter to the ISPs in hope of persuading them not to block access to the sites by Minnesota residents. "The DPS has issued this order on erroneous legal ground," said Joe Brennan Jr., iMEGA chairman. "We hope that the ISPs will disregard the order, and that DPS will reconsider their actions and the far-reaching effects this kind of Internet censorship would have." (Gambling911)
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iMEGA's letter highlighted the state agency's error applying a federal law - the Wire Act of 1961 (18 USC 1084) - as the basis for issuing an order to block Minnesota residents from freely accessing 200 Web sites included on a "black list" created by DPS/AGED. In addition to a few popular sites, like FullTiltPoker.com and Bodog.com, the list included sites that did not accept business from US residents, and some that were no longer in business.
"Because website operators are not subscribers of yours, have no contracts with you and are not provided facilities by you, you should be aware the the MN DPS is attempting to mislead(either intentionally or inadvertently) you into believing that you are bound by federal law to do what the MN DPS asks," the letter stated. "In fact, [the Wire Act] simply does not apply to the web site operators and imposes no duty upon you and provides no authority to you to comply with the MN DPS request."
iMEGA sent the letter to the ISPs in hope of persuading them not to block access to the sites by Minnesota residents. "The DPS has issued this order on erroneous legal ground," said Joe Brennan Jr., iMEGA chairman. "We hope that the ISPs will disregard the order, and that DPS will reconsider their actions and the far-reaching effects this kind of Internet censorship would have." (Gambling911)
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Online gaming gains Harrah's as supporter, by Arnold Knightly - Las Vegas Review-Journal - 6th May 2009
Casino giant Harrah's Entertainment has thrown its support behind legislation introduced today that would allow Internet gambling by individuals in the United States, something that could open a whole new market for the owner of the World Series of Poker brand.
The proposed Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009, which was introduced today by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., would establish a framework to permit licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from inside the United States.
The legislation provides safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identity theft.
"We really believe this industry already exists," said Jan Jones, Harrah's Entertainment's senior vice president of communications and government relations. "It just exists in a wild west setting. If you say you care about protecting children and fraud and money laundering, then the only way you can put those protections in place is to put in a strong regulatory frame."
The casino company spent $405,087 in the first quarter and registered as a lobbyist to try to build support for the new proposal.
Harrah's Entertainment has also hired Tony Podesta, a long-time Democratic fundraiser who has lobbied for Wal-Mart and Sallie Mae, and his brother John Podesta, an adviser to President Obama.
Jones said Americans are already spending $6 billion annually gambling in an unregulated online environment.
The bill would establish regulations that would be enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department. The federal department would also issue licenses to Internet gambling operators.
Frank's bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Shelley Berkley, D.-Nev., whose district includes Clark County.
It would repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which made it a crime for banks or other institutions to process financial transactions used to place illegal bets online.
The Bush administration implemented regulations, which are set to go into effect on Dec. 1, to enforce the banking ban.
Separate legislation introduced by Frank today would delay those regulations from taking effect.
"What we have now is an unworkable law passed by those opposed to all gaming, whether it's done by adults in Las Vegas or on the Internet," Berkley said in a statement. "So there is no question we must act to correct the problems caused by this failed crusade to ban Internet gaming."
Similar legislation failed in the last Congress. MGM Mirage today expressed support for the idea of legalizing, regulating and taxing Internet gambling, but cautioned that company executives have not read Frank's new bill to know if it is the right bill to support.
Alan Feldman, MGM Mirage's senior vice president of public affairs, called the 2006 law bad legislation, which was passed without any hearings.
"The original ban was absolutely ridiculous, just absurd," Feldman said.
Youbet.com and the Poker Players Alliance, which is headed by former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, are also lobbying for the legalization of online gambling.
Not every supporter of online gaming expressed blanket support for the new bill.
David G. Schwartz, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Gaming Research Center, expressed concern about having the federal government oversee the industry. He said the new proposal would basically set up what he described as a federal Gaming Control Board.
"It would have the federal government regulating gambling, which goes against 220 years of how we've interpreted the Constitution, which is that states have the right to regulate gaming," Schwartz said. "This seems to hoist an overly complicated bureaucracy on the gaming industry."
Jones said Harrah's supports a federal oversight role because regulating online gambling at the state level would be nearly impossible.
"The whole nature of Internet gaming is that people can be on all over the world," Jones said. "It makes much more sense to have a federal regulatory oversight, with an opt out by the states, which this bill provides."
Contact reporter Arnold M. Knightly at aknightly@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Bloomberg News Service contributed to this report. (Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal)
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The proposed Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009, which was introduced today by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., would establish a framework to permit licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from inside the United States.
The legislation provides safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identity theft.
"We really believe this industry already exists," said Jan Jones, Harrah's Entertainment's senior vice president of communications and government relations. "It just exists in a wild west setting. If you say you care about protecting children and fraud and money laundering, then the only way you can put those protections in place is to put in a strong regulatory frame."
The casino company spent $405,087 in the first quarter and registered as a lobbyist to try to build support for the new proposal.
Harrah's Entertainment has also hired Tony Podesta, a long-time Democratic fundraiser who has lobbied for Wal-Mart and Sallie Mae, and his brother John Podesta, an adviser to President Obama.
Jones said Americans are already spending $6 billion annually gambling in an unregulated online environment.
The bill would establish regulations that would be enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department. The federal department would also issue licenses to Internet gambling operators.
Frank's bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Shelley Berkley, D.-Nev., whose district includes Clark County.
It would repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which made it a crime for banks or other institutions to process financial transactions used to place illegal bets online.
The Bush administration implemented regulations, which are set to go into effect on Dec. 1, to enforce the banking ban.
Separate legislation introduced by Frank today would delay those regulations from taking effect.
"What we have now is an unworkable law passed by those opposed to all gaming, whether it's done by adults in Las Vegas or on the Internet," Berkley said in a statement. "So there is no question we must act to correct the problems caused by this failed crusade to ban Internet gaming."
Similar legislation failed in the last Congress. MGM Mirage today expressed support for the idea of legalizing, regulating and taxing Internet gambling, but cautioned that company executives have not read Frank's new bill to know if it is the right bill to support.
Alan Feldman, MGM Mirage's senior vice president of public affairs, called the 2006 law bad legislation, which was passed without any hearings.
"The original ban was absolutely ridiculous, just absurd," Feldman said.
Youbet.com and the Poker Players Alliance, which is headed by former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, are also lobbying for the legalization of online gambling.
Not every supporter of online gaming expressed blanket support for the new bill.
David G. Schwartz, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Gaming Research Center, expressed concern about having the federal government oversee the industry. He said the new proposal would basically set up what he described as a federal Gaming Control Board.
"It would have the federal government regulating gambling, which goes against 220 years of how we've interpreted the Constitution, which is that states have the right to regulate gaming," Schwartz said. "This seems to hoist an overly complicated bureaucracy on the gaming industry."
Jones said Harrah's supports a federal oversight role because regulating online gambling at the state level would be nearly impossible.
"The whole nature of Internet gaming is that people can be on all over the world," Jones said. "It makes much more sense to have a federal regulatory oversight, with an opt out by the states, which this bill provides."
Contact reporter Arnold M. Knightly at aknightly@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Bloomberg News Service contributed to this report. (Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal)
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Swiss To Offer Online Gambling Licenses - iGaming Business - 5th May 2009
In Switzerland, the Government has announced plans to liberalise its online gambling market by offering operators a limited number of licenses while keeping a ban on wagers placed through telephone and interactive television.
The proposals are the idea of the Justice Ministry in response to the increasing number of illegal online money games but any changes would be subject to the approval of the Swiss Parliament.
The plan would also tighten measures against other forms of illegal gambling, which could see the Swiss run afoul of the European Commission for seeming to give preferential treatment to locally licensed providers over those based in other Member States.
According to an article from news portal SwissInfo.ch, new forms of gambling in Switzerland could see the Government generate tax revenues of up to $22 million a year.
The Swiss decision comes hard on the heels of Denmark’s announcement last week that it would be presenting proposals that would, if passed, end the 60-year gaming monopoly of the State-owned Danske Spil organisation. (Credit: iGaming Business)
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The proposals are the idea of the Justice Ministry in response to the increasing number of illegal online money games but any changes would be subject to the approval of the Swiss Parliament.
The plan would also tighten measures against other forms of illegal gambling, which could see the Swiss run afoul of the European Commission for seeming to give preferential treatment to locally licensed providers over those based in other Member States.
According to an article from news portal SwissInfo.ch, new forms of gambling in Switzerland could see the Government generate tax revenues of up to $22 million a year.
The Swiss decision comes hard on the heels of Denmark’s announcement last week that it would be presenting proposals that would, if passed, end the 60-year gaming monopoly of the State-owned Danske Spil organisation. (Credit: iGaming Business)
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Tuesday, May 05, 2009
New Age Symbols, Dolphins Being Used to Lure Sexually Abused Gamblers - Gambling911 - 4th May 2009
A report in the Herald Sun recently suggested that anti-gambling zealots were now claiming poker machine operators in Australia were using New Age symbols to target gamblers who have suffered trauma and abuse. These allegations are outlined in submissions to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into poker machines, which has become a hot topic down under.
The worst offenders, according to the report, were the Dolphin Treasure, Queen of the Nile and Sweethearts 2, all of which were manufactured by gambling giant Aristocrat Leisure.
"There are associations between the symbols used in these poker machines and the symbols used by some treatment providers who help survivors of sexual abuse," claimed Tim Falkiner, a former legal officer with the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority.
He cited the Joyful Heart Foundation, which uses dolphins in treatment of sexual abuse victims.
"When you look at the symbols of Dolphin Treasure there are two dolphins swimming in harmony back towards the left - it is a symbol of rebirth. It appeals to people who are suffering from a distress of the spirit and seeking a new beginning."
Essentially, what Falkiner is saying is that those gamblers who have been sexually abused may be drawn to these machines in the casino environment.
Tim Allerton, a spokesperson for Aristrocrat Leisure, denied the allegations, saying that the games were simply designed to entertain and there were no other ulterior motives involved.
It should be noted that the Bahamas popular Atlantis Resort regularly uses the lure of dolphins in its adverts. (Credit: Gambling911)
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The worst offenders, according to the report, were the Dolphin Treasure, Queen of the Nile and Sweethearts 2, all of which were manufactured by gambling giant Aristocrat Leisure.
"There are associations between the symbols used in these poker machines and the symbols used by some treatment providers who help survivors of sexual abuse," claimed Tim Falkiner, a former legal officer with the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority.
He cited the Joyful Heart Foundation, which uses dolphins in treatment of sexual abuse victims.
"When you look at the symbols of Dolphin Treasure there are two dolphins swimming in harmony back towards the left - it is a symbol of rebirth. It appeals to people who are suffering from a distress of the spirit and seeking a new beginning."
Essentially, what Falkiner is saying is that those gamblers who have been sexually abused may be drawn to these machines in the casino environment.
Tim Allerton, a spokesperson for Aristrocrat Leisure, denied the allegations, saying that the games were simply designed to entertain and there were no other ulterior motives involved.
It should be noted that the Bahamas popular Atlantis Resort regularly uses the lure of dolphins in its adverts. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Wrestlers and Arnold Schwarzenegger Gambling, Poker Connection - Gambling911 - 4th May 2009
Ric Flair recently signed a deal to be a spokesperson for the lottery in the Carolinas... The Shelby, NC Star ran a story noting that Ric, David, and Reid Flair are scheduled to appear on Saturday at the Rec Center for a charity show to raise for the Shelby City Parks and Police Department. If he attends this would be Reid's first public appearance since his arrest last weekend.
"This is of course totally the opposite direction to Jesse Ventura's stance on gambling, at least publicly," notes Media Man, Greg Tingle.
Tingle made reference to Ventura's support of an online gambling enterprise, BetUS.com, where he was a paid spokesperson for more than two years. Interestingly enough, the state of Minnesota for which Ventura served as Governor, announced last week it will try to block access to online gambling websites from citizens of that state.
Then there is California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a one time friend of both men, who reportedly would support an initiative in his state to legalize online poker.
In November 2004, an advertisement began airing in California featuring Ventura. In it, Ventura voices his opposition to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's policies regarding Native American casinos, the very casinos that stand in the way of the proposed poker legislation. Schwarzenegger and Ventura have not spoken in years, according to reports.
In September 2005, Ventura announced on The Mike Malloy Show that he was leaving the U.S. and planned to "have an adventure". In late October 2005, he went on the The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and reiterated that he was leaving the U.S. due to, among other things, censorship. He has since moved to Baja California, Mexico. (Credit: Gambling911).
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Jesse Ventura
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"This is of course totally the opposite direction to Jesse Ventura's stance on gambling, at least publicly," notes Media Man, Greg Tingle.
Tingle made reference to Ventura's support of an online gambling enterprise, BetUS.com, where he was a paid spokesperson for more than two years. Interestingly enough, the state of Minnesota for which Ventura served as Governor, announced last week it will try to block access to online gambling websites from citizens of that state.
Then there is California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a one time friend of both men, who reportedly would support an initiative in his state to legalize online poker.
In November 2004, an advertisement began airing in California featuring Ventura. In it, Ventura voices his opposition to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's policies regarding Native American casinos, the very casinos that stand in the way of the proposed poker legislation. Schwarzenegger and Ventura have not spoken in years, according to reports.
In September 2005, Ventura announced on The Mike Malloy Show that he was leaving the U.S. and planned to "have an adventure". In late October 2005, he went on the The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and reiterated that he was leaving the U.S. due to, among other things, censorship. He has since moved to Baja California, Mexico. (Credit: Gambling911).
Media Man Australia Profiles
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Jesse Ventura
Ric Flair
BetUS.com
Native American Casinos
Sports Betting
Greg Tingle
Media Man Australia
Online Casino News
Lottery News
Wrestling News
Poker News
Casino News
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