(PRESS RELEASE) -- The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States has drafted model legislation to guide states that are considering authorizing internet gaming. The proposed Model Internet Gaming Act will be open for public comment, commencing today and continuing through 31 December.
In developing this regulatory framework, NCLGS notes: “The objectives of this model legislation are to establish an effective, comprehensive, and efficient regulatory framework consistent with public policy that will foster public confidence and trust in the integrity of the regulatory process and the fairness of internet gaming operations. The regulatory provisions are intended to extend strict regulation and oversight over all aspects of internet gaming operations.”
The draft proposal, developed over several months by the select Committee on Model Internet Gaming Legislation, suggests a wide range of policies for state legislators, regulators and other stakeholders to consider.
A draft of the model legislation is available here. Comments will be accepted in writing at info@nclgs.org, and interested parties can also participate in a discussion to be held at the upcoming NCLGS winter meeting December 12-15 at Caesars New Orleans. The special one-hour session focused on this model legislation is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, beginning at 9:15 a.m. In order to be permitted to speak at the NCLGS Public Hearing, speakers must register in advance by contacting Sherry Amos at samos@spectrumgaming.com.
Members of the blue-ribbon committee that drafted the model legislation are:
NCLGS Officers and Legislators:
- Steven A. Geller (FL), Chair, NCLGS Founder and General Counsel, former State Senator
- Delegate Shawn Fluharty (WV), NCLGS President
- Representative Al Williams (GA), NCLGS President-Elect
NCLGS Legislators:
- Senator Tim Lang (NH)
- Representative Tyrone Carter (MI)
- Representative Joe McAndrew (PA)
- Representative David Muradian (MA)
- Representative Shelley Kloba (WA)
- Alan Miller, Louisiana Senate Legislative Counsel
Consultants and Counsel providing advice were:
- Juliann Barreto, Chief Operating Officer, Spectrum Gaming Group
- Allie Bartlett, Partner, Bose McKinney
- Kim Copp, Partner, Taft Law Firm
- Fredric Gushin, Founder and CEO, Spectrum Gaming Group
- Steve Ingis, General Counsel, VP of Regulatory Affairs, Spectrum Gaming Group
- Lynne Levin Kaufman, Co-Chair Gaming Practice Group, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
- Lloyd D. Levenson, CEO and Co-Chair Gaming Practice Group, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
- Philip A. Reale II, Partner, Law Office of Philip A. Reale, PLLC
- Phil Sicuso, Partner, Bose McKinney
- Marlene Warner, CEO, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation.
Spectrum Gaming Group, which has performed advisory and consulting work for gaming operators, regulators, and legislatures in 44 U.S. states and territories and in 48 countries on six continents, serves as Executive Director of NCLGS.