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Fast Track for Kyl Bill

Well, NAFTA isn't the only only thing being fast-tracked in Washington DC these days. True to his word, Senator Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) has been successful in getting his Internet Gambling Prohibition bill scheduled for mark-up in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, October 9. The plan is to slip it through with other "non-controversial" bills.

The bill is supported by the National Association of Attorney Generals, the NFL and the Coalition Against Legalized Gambling which all tesitified at the one hearing on the matter. Senator Kyl was the sole Senator present at that hearing.

A coalition has been developing to fight passage of this bill on a variety of fronts. Led by the Interactive Services Association (parent organization of the Interactive Gaming Council), it includes other gambling interests such as parimutuel and Indian gaming concerns, many of which see internet gaming as a natural extension of their product. It also includes a number of other internet-related groups which see this attack as "a canary in the mine shaft" when it comes to internet regulation.

The Kyl bill is predicated on the argument that internet gambling CANNOT be regulated, therefore, it must be banned (and prohibition has worked so well in this country in the past). Tell that to the Australian states and countries like New Zealand which are forging ahead with enlightened plans to license and regulate this in-home gambling option.

While those in the business expect and welcome regulation of their gambling operations, the issue of finding ways to grapple with the multi-jurisdictional nature of this borderless medium is a complicated one for policy-makers. Lawmakers need to slow down, do their homework and consider the broader implications of their actions which some see simply as attention-getting.

For you, the consumer, there's always the old American Way...taking on City Hall. If you'd like to make your voice known on this issue, check out the Judiciary Committee list and let them know your opinions. Last time, we checked this was a free country (although some readers have expressed trepidation about even voicing their opinions...a sad state of affairs...and one which works to the advantage of those who wish to ban this activity).

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