Minn Casino Regulator Hopes Internet Censorship Multiplies

John Willems, director of the division, said the two hundred offending Internet gambling websites are just a start, and expressed a plan to include thousands of other Internet sites if the initial censorship succeeds.

The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has announced it has ordered state Internet service providers to block 200 online casino sites from residents of the state. John Willems, director of the division, said the two hundred offending Internet gambling websites are just a start, and expressed a plan to include thousands of other Internet sites if the initial censorship succeeds.

According to a news release issued by Andy Skoogman, state Director of Communications, the AGED list of online gaming sites to be blocked by ISPs is only the beginning.

"Acknowledging the effort as an initial sample, Willems anticipates the program expanding to address thousands of sites, depending upon compliance," says the press release.

Willems did not comment on what other types of websites he finds objectionable or in need of censorship. Internet freedom supporters are expected to blast the Minnesota action.

President Obama campaigned on promises of Internet freedom and civil liberties over online censorship. No comment has been forthcoming from federal law enforcement on the Minnesota use of a federal law to justify its new policy.