Louisiana Legislature May Examine iGaming Regulation
We recently reported that Iowa isn’t expected to make any iGaming progress in 2014, but one state that might makes some moves is Louisiana. The Bayou State, one of seven states that currently ban iGaming, is apparently considering a bill in the forthcoming legislative session that would enact safeguards for online gambling.
"I suspect a bill will likely be introduced, but I can't confirm," said Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman Ronnie Jones.
According to Renita D. Young of NOLA.com and The Time Picayune, Jones, Assistant Attorney General Leonce Gautreaux, and Major Mike Noel of the Louisiana State Police Gaming Division recently gave a presentation to the Louisiana Legislature and presented an Internet Gaming Briefing, which you can view by clicking here.
The presentation was a result of State Rep. Mike Huval’s March 2013 request for a House Concurrent Resolution to study iGaming implications in the state.
"The players who do so, play at their own risk,” Jones said. “They're playing anyway, but it's not regulated by the government, it's not sanctioned by the government or taxed by the state."
NOLA.com also reported the following findings from the presentation:
- Citizens of the state must have trust and confidence that companies and individuals involved in "Internet Gaming" are suitable;
- There should be an ability to detect violations of law, regulations and criminal activity
Specialized regulatory compliance that can ensure the systems and programs operate in a consistent and fair manner; - Safeguards to adequately prevent underage and problem gamblers;
- Other purported needs included specialized positions in IT / Audit, investigators with specialized IT training and IT network security.
"The gaming board has no position on legalizing Internet gaming. We're neither for it or against it. Only the legislature can change the law," Jones concluded.
For more information, head on over to NOLA.com.
*Lead photo courtesy of 2.bp.blogspot.com.
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