National Governors Association opposes U.S. online gambling ban

The US National Governors Association has flagged its opposition to the Graham-Chaffetz bills currently before Congress seeking a ban on internet gambling across the United States.

In a brief and on-point letter to House and Senate leaders released Monday, the Association notes:

“The nation’s governors are concerned with legislation introduced in Congress that would ban online Internet gaming and Internet lottery sales because it challenges the federal-state relationship.

“The regulation of gaming is an issue that has historically been addressed by the states.

“Regardless of whether governors are in favor of offering gaming – through whatever form – within their own states, decisions at the federal level that affect state regulatory authority should not be made unilaterally without state input.

“A strong, cooperative relationship between the states and federal government is vital to best serve the interests of all citizens.”

Our readers can view the letter here:

http://c4cop.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/NGA-Committee-Letter.pdf

It is widely believed that Graham, who has displayed remarkable ignorance about the Wire Act he seeks to restore, and Chaffetz were motivated to introduce the bills as part of land casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson’s campaign against internet gambling (see previous reports).

The National Governors Association’s Economic Development and Commerce Committee has made it plain to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi that the Association opposes the ban, which would take away states’ rights to regulate gaming within their borders.

Earlier this year the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) also noted that it was opposed to the ban, but some Republican governors have supported the legislation – specifically Texas Gov. Rick Perry and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

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