Gambling Law Expert Says Frank Online Casino Bill Challenged
An expert in Internet gambling law says he doesn't see much hope for Barney Frank's repeal of the UIGEA passing. Pat O'Brien, of the firm Greenberg Traurig, thinks the odds against Frank's online casino measure make it a long shot to pass Congress.
O'Brien addressed the International Masters of Gaming Law Spring Conference in Windsor, Canada, yesterday. He asserted that state regulation and legalization of online gambling will probably precede any federal changes.
“I see [legalization of online gaming] happening state-by-state, with one or two states then getting together and saying let’s share poker players and let’s share lottery players,” O'Brien told the gathered gambling observers.
O'Brien says state lotteries will continue to expand products, with each state deciding what Internet action to allow inside its borders.
“What already exists offline is what will be allowed to exist online. If people currently offshore think that they’re going to come onshore then they’re dreaming,” said the gaming lawyer.
O'Brien did not address the issues of UIGEA interference in state transactions, as is occurring with the New Hampshire and North Dakota lotteries, or of the EU complaint against protectionist US policies.
