The National Gambling Impact Study Commission took advantage of a convention of Internet gaming interests in Washington this week, as commissioner Bill Bible—chairman of the commission's Regulation, Enforcement and Internet subcommittee—called a hearing to listen to pros and cons.
One thing the commissioners heard was the view of Eric Goldman, a California attorney with cyberspace clients, who said he believed "electronic communications related to gambling can be regulated under the First Amendment, but only if the regulations can be drawn narrowly and precisely in order to avoid the chilling effects that could occur."
Major league baseball was represented, concerned about infringements on Internet fantasy games, and Internet golf also was represented. Racing had its say before the committee in Las Vegas last month, but racing consultant Mike Shagan testified and told the commission that Queensland, Australia, and other jurisdictions, were going forward with Internet wagering and once established were not likely to pay much heed to U.S. prohibitions.