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Federal Ruling Contradicts Justice Department19 December 2002WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "A federal appeals court decision last month contradicts the Justice Department's view that Internet gambling is illegal, a ruling that some believe could buttress Nevada's efforts to determine if online wagering can be effectively regulated. "On Nov. 20, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld a lower court ruling that a federal ban on gambling applies only to sports betting on the Internet, not casino-style wagering. "…The opinion differs sharply from an Aug. 23 letter from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Chertoff to Dennis Neilander, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. "`The Department of Justice believes that federal law prohibits gambling over the Internet, including casino-style gambling,' Chertoff wrote. "…Chertoff's letter already has influenced Nevada's actions on Internet gambling, Neilander said. "…Dan Walsh, a Washington lobbyist for the Interactive Gaming Council which represents online wagering companies, said last month's court ruling trumps the Chertoff letter. "…Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., a former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, said last month's court decision would not change his opposition to Internet gambling. "…Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the American Gaming Association, said he always believed Chertoff's letter was wrong. But Fahrenkopf said he would be surprised if the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to look at the matter…" |