"Full Committee Hearing: Pending Internet Gambling Legislation" - December 3, 2009

Experts on Internet gambling, consumer protection and online security gave testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, with the majority praising the legalization and regulation of Internet gambling. Witnesses confronted the challenges in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), including its failure to adequately guard youth or protect problem gamblers and placing an unfair burden on U.S. financial services. Most witnesses agreed that through legalizing online gambling, the industry could be regulated and consumers protected.

Presented testimony:

• The Honorable Robert Martin, Tribal Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
• Ms. Parry Aftab, Executive Director, WiredSafety
• Professor Malcolm K. Sparrow, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
• Mr. Keith S. Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling
• Mr. Jim Dowling, Dowling Advisory Group
• Mr. Samuel A. Vallandingham, Chief Information Officer and Vice President, The First State Bank on behalf of the Independent Community Bankers of America
• Mr. Mike Brodsky, Executive Chairman, Youbet.com

Additional links:

• Congressional hearing web page, link to web cast
• Press Release: Experts Testify Regulated Internet Gambling Can Protect Consumers and Generate Billions in New Revenue
• Harvard Study: Can Internet Gambling Be Effectively Regulated? Managing the Risks
• FBI Inquiry Response Demonstrates Technology Exists to Regulate Internet Gambling
• The Morongo Tribe's Support of Online Gambling
• Morongo Testimony Misunderstands Intent of Frank Legislation