U.K. companies lobby for U.S. gambling regulation

Two U.K.-based companies have joined together to launch the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative and help push forward Rep. Barney Frank's legislation to license and regulate online gambling in the United States rather than ban it.

Through the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, the UC Group and Baker Tilly are trying to raise awareness for a regulated online gambling environment.

"Millions of Americans are currently gambling online in an unregulated environment without any consumer protections," said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesman for the initiative.

According to a press release from the initiative, they want to mobilize voters across the United States online to support Frank's legislation, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 (IGREA).

"Stringent licensing and regulations will protect American consumers and provide safeguards to protect against underage and compulsive gambling," Sandman said. "Rep. Frank's bill is a big step in the right direction to limit government intervention that is futile and heavy handed."

According to TheHill.com, the two companies involved, which work to provide back-office and payment services to Internet businesses, hired lobbying firm Alston & Bird LLP to help push for Frank's legislation to be passed.

Alston & Bird have contracted lobby firm Downy McGrath Group to help as well.

Other endorsers of the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative include eCOGRA, GamCare and the European Gaming and Betting Association.

For more information about the initiative, visit SafeandSecureIG.org.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 30 May, 2007

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