An internet gambling conference in the USA
Posted 2/8/11 : The intricacies of federal and state law concerning internet gambling in the United States are always relevant, especially with recent positive developments in Florida, California and New Jersey, and Clarion Gaming has answered the call with a location change for the next Global iGaming Summit & Expo (GIGSE) conference….to San Francisco.
Given the past penchant for US enforcement officials to lock up online gambling operators doing business in America – even when merely transiting the country – that alone has caused plenty of speculation among industry observers.
The conference, which is scheduled for May 17-19 this year, will have some high powered speakers, including US Congressman John Campbell, a Republican who was a key co-sponsor of Barney Frank's so far abortive federal attempts to legalise online gambling in the United States.
Campbell will be discussing the prospects for the federal regulation of internet gaming, although most experts appear to agree that individual US states will now take the lead in i-gaming regulation. The Republican congressman plans to examine the drivers and obstacles to the passage of internet gambling bills in America.
A Clarion spokesman said this week that Nevada's influential Senator Harry Reid (who's attempt to federally legalise online poker failed in the last session of Congress) is set to continue his campaign this year.
"With this double effort in the US Congress and in State Assemblies, both competing for tax revenue that internet gaming companies could generate, the question of Federal vs. State legalization is still very valid," she said.
Joining Campbell in the panel discussions will be Michael A. Brown, a proponent of an internet poker initiative that will allow the DC Lottery to offer gaming over the internet, and former US Republican congressman from Nevada, Jon Porter, who, back in 2006, introduced a bill that called for the study of internet gambling.
These current and former legislators will be joined by an array of industry experts who represent key interest groups, including land-based casinos, tribal councils, lotteries, pari-mutuels, horse-racing industry, card clubs, global i-gaming operators and suppliers to the gaming industry.
Senior executives in charge of the online strategies and lobby efforts for land-based giants like Ceasars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock International, Twin River Casino, Foxwoods, California Online Poker Association, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, NY Lottery and Florida pari-mutuels are among many speakers who will examine various regulatory scenarios and options for the transition into the online space.
Regulators from New Jersey, Nevada, California and Alderney will map the regulatory process and address challenges in online regulation and enforcement. US suppliers will also be present to talk about their plans to provide interactive and online products to their existing customers in the land-based space.
According to Clarion, top managers from Party Gaming, 888 Holdings, Rank Interactive, PKR, Chilipoker and Interactive, and Groupe Partouche will give their views on North American regulation and share the experience of mature and already regulated markets.
They will be joined by proponents of alternative business models that are now legal and operational in North America and can help to build online databases and develop online brand – social gaming, TV formats, fantasy games – also potential new entrants to the marketplace should online gaming become legal.
Full information at www.gigse.com
