Senate Online Gambling Hearing: Recap and Resources

The federal government swung back into the view of the online gambling community today thanks to a Senate hearing titled The Expansion of Internet Gambling: Assessing Consumer Protection Concerns.

The hearing, held by the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance, lacked a direct legislative aim due to the absence of any active bill to regulate online gambling in the Senate.

Nevertheless, the hearing still provided some insight into how powerful members of Congress view online gambling, online poker, the push by states to regulate and other key issues.

Reactions from attendees

Some present in person, others virtually:

Takeaway from Senate subcommittee hearing on internet gambling this morning: Some lawmakers support passing federal legislation

— Hannah Dreier (@hannahdreier) July 17, 2013

I suppose I missed the speakers that actually know the way reputable sites can overcome these issues, oh wait #senatehearing

— Diamond Flush (@Diamond_Flush) July 17, 2013

The AGA applauds the Senate’s focus on proper regulation of online gambling: http://t.co/PZidmod8NF

— American Gaming Assn (@AGAupdate) July 17, 2013

@Diamond_Flush I could only watch half of it once it got into how igaming was responsible for human trafficking had to go to lunch

— Gus Fritschie (@gfritschie) July 17, 2013

Recap of the hearing

You can view an archived webcast of the hearing here.

Witnesses included:

• Mr. Chuck Canterbury – National President Fraternal Order of Police.
• Mr. Matt Smith – President Catholic Advocate.
• Mr. Thomas Grissen – Chief Executive Officer Daon.
• Mr. Jack Blum – Attorney at Law.

For a tweet-based recap, I’d go with Diamond Flush’s timeline.

Dave Behr and Jennifer Webb also both offered concise, informed commentary.

Here’s a writeup of the hearing from The Hill. And here’s the TwoPlusTwo thread.

The hearing went much as you’d expect.

The general consensus of the witnesses and the members of Congress: The status quo isn’t working. But what parts are failing and how to fix it was a far more divisive issue.

There’s also no clear next step, insomuch that the committee did not establish any goals or propose additional hearings.

Highlights

McCaskill and Heller are advocating for federal regulation. Heller calls poker "a game of skill" says it is "different" from other gambling

— PokerPlayersAlliance (@ppapoker) July 17, 2013

Thomas Grissen Daon CEO gives demonstration on technologies that can be used to protect online consumers #igaminghearing #InternetGambling

— Jennifer Webb (@WebbJennifer) July 17, 2013

McCaskill now questions Biometrics, asking why would we open a whole new floodgate of data? #igaming #senatehearing

— Ifrah Law (@ifrahlaw) July 17, 2013

Attorney Jack Blum at #iGaming senate hearing mentions #bitcoin may have a place in online gambling. #igaminghearing

— Ifrah Law (@ifrahlaw) July 17, 2013

Senator Blunt (R-MO) who supported UIGEA as a member of the house appears open to the idea of federal oversight through regulation.

— PokerPlayersAlliance (@ppapoker) July 17, 2013

Sen. Ayotte sees money laundering, drug trade, human trafficking, problem gambling and of course THE CHILDREN as problems w/ online gaming.

— Dave Behr (@ftrainpoker) July 17, 2013

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