US Gets New Online Gambling Advisory Group

The United States this week now has another advocate for online gambling reform, as the FairPlayUSA announced the formation of their group, which seeks to educate citizens and lawmakers about the need to reform internet gambling laws.

The group aims to have online gambling reformed in three areas: consumer and underage online protection, adult rights to play poker, and strict regulation and enforcement of online gambling laws.

The group is led by Executive Director Marisa McNee. Commenting on the goals of FairPlayUSA McNee stated, "The website and online petition will be the focal point for recruiting and organizing supporters who will actively engage and make their voices heard by members of Congress. Outreach will be directed toward law enforcement officials, those who support Internet consumer safety, and online poker's strongest asset – the millions of Americans who enjoy online poker."

FairPlayUSA's board also includes: Parry Atfab, a lawyer whose specialty is in internet privacy and security law; Tom Ridge, who is the former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor of Pennsylvania; Greg Raymer, a professional poker player who also sits on the board at the Poker Players' Alliance.

FairPlayUSA has announced that it has a petition on its website FairPlayUSA.com, which asks that the US Congress address the issues offshore internet gambling currently present, allow law enforcement to get tough on illegal sites, and form regulations that will ensure integrity and safety.

Initial funding for FairPlayUSA was provided by MGM and Caesars, and FairPlayUSA states that its mission is broader than the Poker Player's Alliance and will include a wide variety of people such as law enforcement, poker players, internet safety advocates, consumer protection advocates, among others.