In a move seen as hypocritical given their acceptance of pay-for-play fantasy sports games, major sports leagues in the U.S. have come out against an online gambling regulation bill...
In a move seen as hypocritical given their acceptance of pay-for-play fantasy sports games, major sports leagues in the U.S. have come out against an online gambling regulation bill introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.)
Political Web site TheHill.com is reporting Major League Baseball, the NFL and the NBA - along with a variety of amateur sporting organizations around the United States - have submitted a joint letter to the House Financial Services Committee expressing their opposition to the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA) Frank introduced April 26.
As Martin Gold, a lobbyist representing the NFL, reportedly wrote in the letter, "Our sports organizations would very strongly oppose any effort to legalize any online sports gambling."
He continued on in the letter, sent by e-mail and signed by at least five major sports organizations, saying the coalition doesn't think "differential treatment of sports gambling and other gambling online would be sustainable in the current environment."
Asked for comment, The Hill.com reported NFL Vice President Joe Browne said, "Marty Gold's views represent the position of amateur and professional sports leagues as well as the more than 300 members who voted for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Bill last year. That number included majorities in both parties."
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), passed last October, made it illegal for credit cards and banks to make payments to online gambling companies.
Frank's proposed bill would set up a regulatory process to allow Internet gambling companies to be registered, licensed and taxed by the U.S. Treasury.
TheHill.com also reported another lobbyist as saying most people playing in fantasy leagues - endorsed by the major sports leagues - are playing for money, making the practice pretty close to sports betting.
Political Web site TheHill.com is reporting Major League Baseball, the NFL and the NBA - along with a variety of amateur sporting organizations around the United States - have submitted a joint letter to the House Financial Services Committee expressing their opposition to the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA) Frank introduced April 26.
As Martin Gold, a lobbyist representing the NFL, reportedly wrote in the letter, "Our sports organizations would very strongly oppose any effort to legalize any online sports gambling."
He continued on in the letter, sent by e-mail and signed by at least five major sports organizations, saying the coalition doesn't think "differential treatment of sports gambling and other gambling online would be sustainable in the current environment."
Asked for comment, The Hill.com reported NFL Vice President Joe Browne said, "Marty Gold's views represent the position of amateur and professional sports leagues as well as the more than 300 members who voted for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Bill last year. That number included majorities in both parties."
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), passed last October, made it illegal for credit cards and banks to make payments to online gambling companies.
Frank's proposed bill would set up a regulatory process to allow Internet gambling companies to be registered, licensed and taxed by the U.S. Treasury.
TheHill.com also reported another lobbyist as saying most people playing in fantasy leagues - endorsed by the major sports leagues - are playing for money, making the practice pretty close to sports betting.
