Re: Let States Regulate Internet Gambling, March 18

Dear Editor:

In her recent op-ed, Michelle Minton misreads support for federal legislation as it pertains to online gambling. Current federal gaming laws need to be amended to provide clarity on many issues and to establish a regulatory framework of minimum standards for state licensing and enforcement of online gambling in jurisdictions that choose to accept it.

Federally established minimum standards are necessary to protect U.S. consumers for two reasons: 1) to avoid the inevitable state-by-state patchwork quilt of rules and regulations that will confuse patrons and make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to enforce rules governing online activities, and 2) to ensure that Native American tribes, as sovereign nations within the U.S., are provided a licensing regime allowing them to operate online.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
President and CEO
 American Gaming Association