State AGs Appeal to U.S. Congress for Help in Fighting Online Gambling

In a letter to Congress dated March 21, 2006, 49 of the 50 U.S. Attorneys General asked for federal help in fighting illegal Internet gambling in their states.

The letter, authored by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, opens by congratulating Congress’ in its efforts to fight Internet gambling-- H.R. 4411 for example-- but points out how dramatically gambling laws vary from state to state.

"Gambling policies range from the absolute prohibition of any gambling, as found in the states Utah and Hawaii, to full casino gaming as allowed in Nevada and Atlantic City,” the letter states.

The essence of the letter speaks to the attorneys general's belief in the need for uniform legislation among all 50 states in order to avoid misinterpretation and maintain continuity among the different facets of each state’s law enforcement. The Attorneys General are asking that Congress enact federal legislation while ensuring each state has the authority to decide the overall laws of its territory.

"It's typically up to the Legislature in each state to determine what is and is not legal concerning gambling," Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson said in media reports. "But Internet gambling transcends state lines and should be addressed federally."

Edmondson has also said this would address consumer safety issues concerning personal information and credit card numbers.

The only state attorney general who did not sign the letter is George J. Chanos, attorney general of Nevada.

Click here to view the Attorneys General letter to Congress.