The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), the leading association representing the online gambling industry, today announced two appointments that will lead the Internet gaming industry through a new phase of expansion.
Sue Schneider, IGC Chairman and CEO of industry consulting organization, The River City Group, said, "These appointments come at a time when there are more than 400 organizations directly involved in this industry, which is growing at well over 100 per cent in volume per year."
The IGC announced the appointment of a new Executive Director, Frederick (Rick) Smith. Smith is the Policy and Research Officer, Office of the Executive Director, serving with the Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation in Australia and is a former New Zealand gaming regulator. Smith will take
over the day-to-day responsibilities of the IGC on March 1, 2000 after relocation to Vancouver, B.C., the IGC headquarters.
"Rick Smith has been instrumental in the development and implementation of an international regulatory model for the online gaming industry. His knowledge and experience is an important addition toward the evolution of the IGC," Schneider said.
Keith Furlong, a former Public Information Officer and Legislative Liaison for the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) also joined the IGC effective January 1, 2000. During his tenure at the DGE, Furlong was the lead media spokesman for the Department of Law & Public Safety on casino-related matters. Furlong also brings with him experience as a former chief of staff to the Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. Furlong will assist the Executive Director in launching IGC's Seal of
Approval program (see http://www.igcouncil.org).
Schneider specifically commented on the importance of the Seal of Approval program. "It has been a long-standing goal of this organization to implement a system whereby consumers can determine reputable Internet gaming sites that adhere to an industry code. This program, which will award a Seal of
Approval that will be posted on qualifying member-sites, is modeled after the Better Business Bureau program which has proven useful to consumers."
According to Schneider, the Seal of Approval program is industry-specific and will include a dispute resolution mechanism. She said, "It is not our intent to usurp the role of the 50+ governments around the world which sanction internet gaming, but rather to provide an information resource and problem resolution mechanism to enhance consumer confidence."
"As an association, IGC owes it to our members to provide the highest caliber of leadership and professional resources to address the many important issues with which we are confronted in this early stage," stated Schneider. "It is a tribute to the industry that such experienced and prestigious professionals have decided to lead us forward."
About the IGC
The Interactive Gaming Council is a non-profit association of over 80 companies around the world that are involved with the interactive gaming industry. Members are operators of Internet gaming sites, software
suppliers, e-commerce providers, information-providers or other companies related to the industry.
The IGC represents operators who generate approximately 70 percent of the industry revenues. The IGC's mission is to: provide a forum to address issues and advance common interests in the global interactive gaming industry; establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services, and serve as the industry's public policy advocate and information clearinghouse.