I haven't had much time to research the different factions in all this, but I would assume the traditional gaming industry (Nevada, New Jersey, etc.) is squarely for the Kyle legislation. If I am wrong, please someone correct me. The thing is, even if legislation passes - and I don't think it will, they will have to change it some time in the near future. Once the on-line gaming industry gets on it's two feet, Washington will see all this tax revenue they are alienating, not to mention the opportunity to regulate billions of dollars. I think many already see the opportunity. The thing is, the US government has a history of trying to control/outlaw/ban certain aspects of technology/internet, and they rarely succeed. If the US creates a void, it is always quickly filled in by either the Europeans or Asians. I have done a lot of analysis on encryption technology and the US government's efforts to prevent it's sale or dissemination. In some instances, they have even proclaimed them to be arms (i.e. weaponry) under AECA (Arms Export Control Act) and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). My ultimate gut feeling on governmental threats to outlaw parts of the internet and technology is that it is nothing more than posturing. IMO their goal is always to get a tighter grasp in terms of control, power and oversight. Taxation is the largest factor here, followed by security. They know if they try to stop it, the flow will be diverted some place else, taking all the revenue and control with it. There are only so many people the FBI can intimidate and arrest. The internet is too big. Internet gaming is the future of the industry.
Prov |