Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, calls upon the United States Congress to issue regulations regarding online gaming.
After testifying at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, Geoff Freeman, president and CEO and the American Gaming Association (AGA) made a statement entitled "The State of Online Gambling."
"Online gaming is here to stay," he said, going on to quote the impressive number of $3 billion spent by Americans in 2012 on illegal offshore gambling. Also in his statement, Mr. Freeman called on Congress to put forth online gaming regulations that will enable millions of Americans to gamble responsibly online.
Risks of Not Passing Regulations
Mr. Freeman warned that the federal government's unwillingness to regulate online gambling will only lead to more and more traffic on the black market, a market that possesses no integrity.
Citing Blockbuster and other video-rental chains, Mr. Freeman also cautioned that if the government neglects to regulate online gambling, they will become victims of ever-evolving technology and innovation.
Benefits of Regulated Online Gaming
The benefits of federal regulations for online gambling include the creation of over 22,000 jobs for American citizens, and over $26 billion in tax revenue.
AGA Proposal
The AGA is calling for federal regulations that utilize player identification, geo-location and age verification technology, as well as responsible gaming standards, thereby creating a safe, protected and honest environment.
The Bottom Line
Americans will find their way to online gambling sites no matter what; isn't it better that they find government-regulated sites, which offer protection and integrity, as opposed to black-market sites, where anything goes?
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