Influential politician opposed to internet gambling in Connecticut

Connecticut state Representative Tony Hwang warned at the weekend that the expansion of gambling, and the possible legalisation of online gambling in the state, was a matter of concern for societal reasons and should be put on hold until full public engagement has been achieved.

Rep. Hwang has influence in the state Legislature; He is the ranking member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, which oversees Indian Tribal Compacts. He is also a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, which oversees gambling in Connecticut.

Hwang was reacting to the news that a legislative task force is to recommend that Connecticut allow slot machines and video gambling at the three off-track betting centers in the state.

“Unfortunately, the gambling money train is now on the legislative fast track,” Hwang said.

“With the passage of keno in the wee hours of the night without any public input, we are now faced with another attempt to expand gambling in Connecticut, along with the possibility of online gambling.

“We need to stop this expansion which has many untold and unintended societal consequences – there needs to be an engaged public debate on this matter.”

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