I received this correspondence from our old INB friend Alan Schneider. Any speculation on how this could benefit INB?
This is off the topic of INB but I question the wisdom of setting up shop in BC given the anti-business political climate of left-wing premier Glen Clark. However, a poll last fall showed that he had less than 10% of the public's support so he should be gone during the next election (in 2 years I believe).
For Immediate Release
Contact: Alan E. Schneider, Executive Director
Tel. 604-642-6464
e-mail: alans@igcouncil.org
Interactive Gaming Council Establishes Canadian Office
January 11, 1999, Vancouver, Canada. The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC)
opened its Canadian office to serve as the international centre for the
online gaming industry's trade association. With the increased popularity of
interactive gaming, the Council realized a need for visibility and
accessibility to the public, regulators, and legislators. The Interactive
Gaming Council, recognized as a voice for the industry, advances the
interests of consumers and operators in international interactive gaming
environments.
IGC members operate or supply services to many of the 260 interactive gaming
and wagering sites on the world wide web today. The IGC's new Executive
Director, Alan Schneider, believes the Vancouver location will serve as a
resource centre as the industry advances its work with international
regulators and legislators. He said, "Multi-national acceptance of the
industry by consumers and governments has risen substantially, and the
Council's activities and commitments have evolved to a point where full-time
resources are required." Prior to joining the association, Mr. Schneider
worked for land-based and online casino corporations.
The Council also establishes fair and responsible trade guidelines and
practices to enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming services and
entertainment. "Being visible and accessible in a virtual world removes
many stereotypes associated with interactive gaming and wagering sites and
encourages a fair and healthy entertainment environment for consumers,
businesses and governments," Schneider added. "The interactive gaming
industry has grown into an accepted and successful entertainment source on
the Internet." The Council's initiatives to maintain fair gaming
environments and its dedication to consumer issues, including problem
gambling and access to minors, are unparalleled.
The IGC also serves as the industry's public policy advocate and information
clearinghouse. "Although the US is a potential, major market for our
members, the Internet is global and we chose Canada, with its respected
business and political climates, as an international location," said
Schneider. He added that the Council continues to work with governments and
legislators in an effort to develop effective control and regulatory
frameworks for the industry. "An ill-conceived prohibition of internet
gaming introduced by Senator Jon Kyl failed to pass the U.S. House of
Representatives last year and we continue to see other, respected
governments developing regulatory frameworks and taxation models for the
industry. Positive responses in the USA have shown us how important it is to
inform legislators and consumers that government-enforced prohibitions are
not the solution to some of the legitimate issues surrounding gaming on the
Internet."
For additional information about the Interactive Gaming Council, please
visit the Council's web site at www.igcouncil.org.
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Interactive Gaming Council
1500-700 West Georgia St.
PO Box 10127
Vancouver, BC, Canada V7Y 1C6
Tel. 604-642-6464 Fax. 604-801-5911
www.igcouncil.org |
