Online Casino Crackdown Has Hidden Agenda

27 Sep 2006

Soon to be former Sporting Bet CEO Nigel Payne, spoke his mind during an interview with The Times of London. He got straight to the point when talking about the US federal government and local state government attempts to crack down on online casino gambling. Payne, who has been a long time supporter of government regulated and taxed online gambling, spoke of hidden agendas which might have played a major role in the recent arrests of online casino executives.

"The key to a proper understanding of what is happening in the online casino industry is to look at the agenda of some of those who seek to criticize it," Payne argued in the interview. "I believe that the real picture that emerges is one of fiscal protectionism that is being masked by political maneuvering and adroit public relations".

Payne also referred to the recently passed bill in the US House of Representatives which aims to ban gambling. He urges not to forget that the bill lists a number of internet gambling activities, including horse racing and fantasy leagues that would remain untouched should a ban be implemented. Payne asks how is it possible that there is no explanation to why they would be untouchable, and what makes them different than betting for instance on a hand of poker