Washington DC Online Gambling Delayed

Friday July 1,2011 : "Hot spots" implementation on hold pending community input
 
The Committee on Finance and Revenue enquiry into Washington DC's move to legalise online gambling has prompted a hold on implementation until more community input on the desirability of such a move can be obtained.
 
Washington newspapers reported late Thursday that the commencement of legal online gambling regulated by the DC Lottery Corporation will be delayed, quoting committee chairman Jack Evans, who said:  “I have met with representatives of the chief financial officer and DC Lottery in light of yesterday’s hearing and am pleased that they are taking immediate action in response to concerns raised before the committee.
 
“We have agreed to postpone implementation of any ‘hot spots’ until clear rules are in place that guarantee prior community input.”
 
Evans, who initiated the committee hearing in which for and against arguments were presented, called for additional study on the planned Internet gambling hot spots.
 
The DC council approved online gambling late last year as part of a budget bill. It was authored by independent Council member Michael Brown and then chairman Vincent Gray after months of private meetings with gaming officials, NBC Washington reported. It became law automatically when Congress did not object within the time period specified for complaints.
 
DC Lottery was preparing to offer online poker, blackjack, virtual slot machines and other games by September 8 for people with computers registered in D.C.
 
Evans said the DC Lottery will now meet with council members to organise community meetings in their wards.