Kentucky Online Gambling Case Reaches All Corners of Internet
Kentucky's ongoing attempt to seize the domain names of 141 online gambling sites has caused worry beyond the bounds of Internet casino operators and political philosophers. While online casinos worry about the implications for their business model, and libertarians are concerned about the infringement on individual liberty, more practical issues are also involved.
Internet and technology experts worldwide are horrified at the possible precedents which may be set in the Kentucky case. Governor Steve Beshear, by trying to eliminate competition for Kentucky gambling enterprises such as horse racing and lotteries, has perpetrated a broad assault on the design of the Internet itself.
Techdirt, a company specializing in Internet analysis, points out the fallacies inherent in the logic which would allow Kentucky to seize the domain names of those who displease it.
Noting the large number of groups represented at the Kentucky hearings, Techdirt says, 'Lots of people are pushing back and explaining how ridiculous that scenario is to the judge, noting, for example, that following similar logic would allow any country to seize any domain name. For example, China could decide that the BBC website violates its laws and demand that the BBC domain name be turned over to the Chinese government. Most folks would recognize that this is ridiculous -- but it's effectively what the Kentucky governor has done."
Sherman Bradley, senior gaming analyst at Online Casino Advisory, say, 'Effectively, Beshear is shooting at mosquitoes with a bazooka. His effort at blocking online casinos will probably have no result long-term on Internet gaming sites, but has started a fuss about legal ramifications concerning the Internet which will continue long after this case is dismissed, either in Judge Wingate's court or on appeal."
