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:

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