British Government Breaks Silence on US Online Gambling Ban

Many online gambling industry analysts have commented on the surprising silence emanating from the British government in response to the passing of the anti-online gambling bill through the US Senate last month.

In contrast to the US moves to restrict online gambling through the new law, which prevents US online banking institutions from processing credit card and check transfers to and from online gambling companies, the British government has been moving in the direction of allowing online gambling companies free access, but with strict controls and taxes on proceeds.

In light of the contrasting policies, it surprised many when there was no immediate response from the British government in response to the new US legislation. It appears as if the silence has been broken this week, however, with the chief political correspondent at FT.com, Jean Eaglesham, reporting that the British government culture secretary Tessa Jowell, handed down a strong warning to the US government with her comments.

Ms. Jowell warned the move to restrict US residents' access to online gambling on the internet could result in high levels of fraud and exploitation by those willing to circumvent the new law. Ms. Jowell likened the current situation to the US government decision to ban alcohol sales for a short-lived time in the 1920's, an experiment that failed miserably and only resulted in a rapid rise in crime levels.

"American should have learnt the lessons of Prohibition," Ms. Jowell commented. She believed there was a very real danger that, by restricting respectable online gambling companies from providing their services to US residents, the US government was opening the floodgates to disreputable and shady operators, who possess only varying levels of legitimacy and do not have the checks and balances in place to ensure player safety.

Ed note: The only thing we learn from history is….

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