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Next Generation in Gambling Conference
Hailed a Success
Montreal, Canada - In his characteristic no-nonsense style, former US Senator Alfonse D'Amato of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), made it clear that US bills targeting Internet gambling regulation were not likely to pass this year. Opening last week’s Next Generation in Gambling (NGG) conference as keynote speaker, his presentation closely examined the development of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the methods the PPA will employ to continue effecting legislative change.
Hosting an intimate group of attendees, the inaugural conference proved to be a paradigm challenging experience that focused on identifying innovative delivery channels, fresh marketing strategies, technology advances, and thorny North American compliance issues. NGG participants were engaged in many dynamic discussions, especially those covering pressing policy issues and step changes in multi-channel delivery development.
Survey feedback confirmed that the Canadian gaming policy session was a standout. Paul Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) stated that the regulatory options pertaining to online gambling should be controlled by provinces to establish a structure for online and land-based operators. He pointed out that the CGA has been pushing for the legalization of sports betting for the past year. The problem, he said, is that Canadian policymakers have "no appetite at any level to deal with these issues."
In making the point that the government should move forward, Margaret McGee of Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation stated: "We're missing the boat, and if we continue to do so, we're going to die like the dinosaurs." She further explained, “It's a wide open market.”
The final session was a panel discussion regarding US policy, with Professor Joseph Kelly and Washington lobbyist Dan Walsh of Greenberg Traurig. Moderated by Sue Schneider, the session linked any discussion of federally regulated I-gaming in the US to the American Gaming Association. In wrapping up, Walsh observed, "The best argument we have is the futility of prohibition."
Video clips of live interviews with speakers and delegates will be available shortly on www.gamingindustrymedia.com and dates and venue for the 2009 edition will be announced soon on http://www.nextgenerationingambling.com.
