Phil, I don't think persons at the PSCK system testing site were playing for "real money" and, I am not certain that the law on internet gambling in the US is that defined - YET. There is legislation pending in NY, California, and others to ban internet gaming. (If it were outlawed - there would be no need for such legislation.) Also, Senate Bill introduced on 3/l9/97, would ban same on Federal level, except Indian reservations(they are governed by something called IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) in conjunction with various Federal agencies, and gaming activities are classified on various levels, Class l, ll, lll. Internet I think is "lll" which would require a written compact with the State, for Indians to conduct internet gaming) (Maybe we should ask that BB be replaced by an Apache) However, right this moment, there is no clear legislation in any state, the way I read the law. In fact, another company(I think the name was IGC) was just hit with a temporary injunction by the Attorney General of Minnessota to cease and desist internet gambling for Minnessota citizens, subject to the Supreme Court of that State rendering a decision on the issue. (I believe they were doing real gaming thru the Carribean). I also believe the company agreed, voluntarily to suspend operations but the matter was set down for a hearing at the end of May, 97. I read this months ago, but, I believe IGC will appeal any adverse decision and takes the position that the Minn. statutes violate various civil rights and free speech protections.
The way I read the pending legislation, the US is now so hostile to internet gaming, that maybe those outspoken Senators would consider declaring war on countries that permit same. Maybe we can finally bomb Canada. What about Las Vegas? US is going to look foolish in the eyes of the world.
Also, Cnn featured an Australian company, that was successfully doing internet gaming all over the world (including US). Australian government commented that l) the paper trail created by the internet allowed increased taxes to be collected from what would have probably been untaxed winnings, and 2) decrease in certain types of crime (organized crime)generally associated with gaming-thereby decreasing violent crime. Gov't intended no regulation. I am told Japan is taking the same position, so far. (In response to questions about pending US legislation, this australian company said that US citizens could "email" their bets and no one would ever know)
On their web site,i.e. PSCK, which, frankly, I think is more important is the resume of their management team. Impressive? I think so.
I wrote the company, ie PSCK, and asked about the numbers minus US citizens input and their approach to the US regulatory environment. Also, when the money is real, I think people will be more cautious. But, it is interesting that people found that web site without promotion.
Thanks elliot |
