Online Casino Patrons Urged to Observe TwinSpires Boycott

Therefore, the best way to register disapproval of his actions is to affect Kentucky revenues, especially through the gambling venues he seeks to protect.

As Churchill Downs prepares to begin live racing this weekend, the call is going forth to not play at the track nor on its website, TwinSpires.com. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear's pursuit of a discriminatory, protectionist, and illegal court order seizing Internet gambling domain names has led to a widening demand for boycott.

By stating that the outrageous Kentucky decision to seek forfeiture of online casino domain names was motivated by a desire to protect "Kentucky's signature industry", Beshear has angered diverse groups across the country and around the globe.

Websites concerned with Internet workings are buzzing with the assault on Internet rights, and have come forward asking readers to boycott not only Kentucky-based gaming, but all products of this state. Everything from Kentucky Fried Chicken to Jim Beam bourbon has been mentioned as a target.

Libertarians and Americans worried about government policies reducing their freedom are appalled. And trade and business journalists have denounced the Kentucky order, and look to voice their displeasure through such outlets as boycotting.

Sherman Bradley, senior gaming analyst at Online Casino Advisory, was among the first to suggest boycotting would be an appropriate reaction by the millions of Americans shocked and frustrated by Judge Wingate's refusal to dismiss the case.According to Bradley, "It is clear the Kentucky governor is driven only by revenues. Therefore, the best way to register disapproval of his actions is to affect Kentucky revenues, especially through the gambling venues he seeks to protect.

"If his case is designed to have the narrow effect of increasing taxes taken from Churchill Downs and TwinSpires, then the public must make sure he is not successful. Any play on horses through these venues, or purchases of Kentucky lottery tickets, helps Beshear tell himself he was right.

"Further, although Governor Beshear and Judge Wingate seem dismissive about the horrific precedents being set, it is of utmost importance to remember that this case affects so much more than just online casinos. Every business that operates on the Internet, every webpage stands to suffer in some degree from this ruling.

"Boycotting is the most immediate method available to individuals who wish to express their strong feelings against this direction Kentucky is following."