LET'S TAKE AN OBJECTIVE LOOK AT ONLINE GAMBLING, SAYS U.S. POLITICIAN

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Representative Berkely from the great state of Nevada proposes independent survey

Feisty Nevada politician Shelley Berkely has come through with her promise to propose an independent enquiry into the practicality of regulating and licensing online gambling in the United States.

American media are today (Friday) carrying initial reports that Representative Berkely has introduced a bill proposing an independent, 12 month study of online gambling to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences.

Initial reports indicate that the Representative from Nevada already has the support of 60 other members of Congress, including Frank LoBiondo, John Conyers and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank. The latter launched a bill proposing to regulate and license online gambling last month.  It is thought likely that Representative Jon Porter, another proponent of studying online gambling before taking action against it, will also be a supporter.

Berkely was one of the politicians who stood against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, speaking against the bill when it was rushed through Congress in a late night session attached to unrelated security legislation last year. She has consistently called for a calm and objective assessment of online gambling whilst other politicians such as Senator Jon Kyl have tried to outlaw the pastime without the benefit of an independent, focused and competent study.

The Nevada representative's proposal does not take sides on the issue of online gambling, calling instead for an unbiased and comprehensive investigation of the online gambling phenomenon, current technologies for the exclusion of underage and problem gamblers and the industry's impact on the United States and its citizens. It is believed that effective regulation in other parts of the world will be included in the study, together with international issues associated with online gambling such as the World Trade Organisation differences with the USA.

Speaking about her proposal, she said: "One of the advantages of this legislation is that it doesn't take a side. It doesn't say Internet gambling is good or bad. It says 'Let's study the issue.'"

Full details are not yet available, but will be covered as soon as possible.