LAS VEGAS -- Legalized Internet gaming may be closer to becoming a reality than ever before. The president of the American Gaming Association says consumer protection advocates, law enforcement and gaming leaders have teamed up for the first time to educate Congress about Internet gaming.
There are 100 new members of Congress and the AGA says not everyone fully understands gaming. It's why they unveiled an online poker code of conduct at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. They also formed a coalition and created a wild-west themed video explaining the history of gaming and how Nevada can reap the benefits of it being regulated.
"Americans have always played poker; 150 years ago they played in a risky, anything goes environment." The American Gaming Association video talks about the swindlers and shady characters who dominated poker and the fact there were no safeguards to protect Americans.
Today, industry leaders say online gambling is popular and the U.S. is losing jobs and billions of dollars to foreign countries because of illegal, unregulated gambling. It's estimated to generate $30 billion a year worldwide.
Watch the Video
"We're spending a lot of time on the hill with members of Congress and their staff and this video has been really well accepted," said Frank Fahrenkoph, chief executive of the AGA.
In his State of Gaming address, Fahrenkoph is asking Congress to allow states to decide whether to allow online poker and would require online casino companies to be licensed the same way land based companies are licensed.
Because there is strength in numbers, the AGA formed a coalition called Fair Play USA. On the team are consumer protection advocates, law enforcement and casinos, like MGM Resorts.
"There's an opportunity for businesses here to reach out to new customers. There's an opportunity for us to grow our regulatory base and all of that leads to new tax revenues," said Alan Feldman, MGM Resorts senior vice president of public affairs.
The association released an online poker code of conduct with six principles. Highlights include background checks, installing the identification of every online U.S. player, auditing software and controls to prevent minors and cheaters from access.
"We're perhaps and I use the word perhaps closer to federal legislation than we've ever been and there's buzz in Washington about the need for action," Fahrenkoph said.
