DC Lottery Officials Make Next Move On Internet Gambling

Lottery officials in the District of Columbia have organized public consultation services across the cities wards; a move that was requested by the city council before online gambling is launched.

The passage of an online gambling was snuck into a budgetary bill earlier this year. However, critics of the bill said that there was no consultation of the public on the issue. Therefore, lottery officials organized the public sessions to discuss the new law.

The first set of meetings is meant for neighborhood leaders, and will be hosted at public facilities such as community centers and libraries. The session will include a question and answer format which will allow residents to air any concerns. The meetings will start on August 16th and run until September 8th, with a meeting for the full council to be held on September 14th.

In an interview with the Washington Times, DC Lottery Director Buddy Roogow said he believes the commission is moving ahead the best it can. “As of now, it’s in the law. … Lacking other direction, we’re still moving forward in what we hope is the most responsible way,” he said.

In reference to the physical impact of online gambling he said, “These are not brick-and-mortar casinos. There isn’t an impact on traffic. There’s not an impact on zoning regulations.”

With legalized online gambling, DC officials hope to generate funds for the city by allowing players who register within the District of Columbia to play casino games within their homes, hotels or other authorized areas.