Ever since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed into law in late 2006, a variety of organizations have stepped up to the plate to help online poker’s cause. From the Remote Gambling Association to the Poker Players Alliance, the online gambling industry has a number of proponents. On the heels of Congressman Barney Frank’s Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, or H.R. 2046, the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative has emerged with two objectives: regulation of the internet gambling industry and proper safeguards for its customers. PocketFives.com sat down with Initiative spokesperson Jeff Sandman to learn more.

If you check out the Initiative’s website, www.safeandsecureig.org, you’ll find the following description of what the organization is all about: “The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative promotes the principles of safe and secure Internet gambling through practices designed to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions.
Additionally, the Initiative is a resource for information about the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 and provides opportunities for individuals, organizations, and companies to engage their elected officials in support of the legislation and regulation of Internet gambling.”

The Initiative was founded at the same time as Barney Frank’s H.R. 2046 was introduced. Sandman explains, “This is an important piece of legislation we felt necessary to rally around.” He sums up his purpose informally: “We’re about promoting the freedom to gamble online in United States. Right now, with the enactment of the UIGEA, it is illegal for financial companies to process transactions with gambling operators. However, what this means is that people have not stopped gambling, but are gambling with offshore gambling operators without any consumer protections. We also know the prohibition of Internet gambling means that the U.S. is losing potentially billions or tens of billions of dollars that are following offshore and aren’t taxed.”

Two bills are on the Initiative’s radar. You can find references to them all over the organization’s website. In addition to Frank’s bill, the Initiative supports Congressman Jim McDermott’s Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2007, H.R. 2607. The bill serves as a companion piece of legislation that would provide a framework for drawing tax revenue from the internet gambling industry. Sandman explains: “The legislation by Congressmen Frank and McDermott can work in tandem. First, you create a regulatory system for gambling operators with Frank’s bill. This framework would be fair to both U.S. and international companies, giving everyone an opportunity to provide gambling services as long as they meet certain licensing requirements. Then, McDermott’s bill ensures all applicable taxes are charged and collected, allowing the U.S. to keep dollars here in the States for critical government programs.”

The Initiative’s ideal outcome is somewhat similar to the strategy desired by the PPA: effective regulation and safeguards coupled with a way to draw revenue for the U.S. Government. Sandman is optimistic the internet gambling issue will see considerable movement during the 2008 calendar year: “I’m optimistic as to what will happen. During the coming session, I think we’ll see increased activity and interest by members of Congress to tackle this issue further. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were additional hearings. However, to encourage this momentum, members of Congress need to hear directly from the voters. We’re looking for participation from not just card players, but anyone who is interested in enjoying their personal freedoms.”

Official endorsers of the Initiative include the RGA, the UC Group, Baker Tilly, eCOGRA, the European Gaming and Betting Association, and GamCare. They represent a cross-section of organizations whose goals are in line with the Initiative’s: “Our endorsers come from the world of financial services and others that want to make sure there are safeguards against underage gambling and compulsive behavior.” The Initiative had the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Keith Whyte on its podcast.

Sandman has been keeping busy talking with media on the internet gambling issue. He’s an attorney by trade and his background includes experience in public policy and politics. He used to practice law in California and Washington, D.C. The Initiative finds its home in the nation’s capital today.

You should catch yourself up on the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. The organization is another important piece of the puzzle. Visit www.safeandsecureig.org for more details.