Last week, The Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta and the independent standards organization eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCogra) agreed that, subject to certain conditions, online gaming sites located there that use software and technology certified by eCogra will be deemed safe, and will receive an expedited review of new gaming license applications.
The island nation of Malta is home to a growing number of gaming sites, including www.betfair.com and www.WorldMatch.com,mt, which was the first online gaming site to be fully regulated by a European Union member state, the government of Malta. Overall, there are 71 Internet gaming sites located on Malta, a small country in the Mediterranean Sea. Others are eyeing Malta as a location for new Internet gaming sites.
“We share a common purpose,” said Mario Galeo, the chief executive of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA), “in seeking to ensure that the player is given fair gaming and efficient, courteous service by casinos and poker rooms.”
The London-based eCogra, the independent industry regulatory group, is quite famous for its “Play it Safe” seal, which is seen on more than 75 online casinos and poker rooms, which have passed probity, game fairness, and operational efficiency tests. The organization also runs a “dispute resolution” service, which can arbitrate conflicts between online sites and customers, if they should arise.
The industry group recently also reached a similar agreement with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, an Indian tribe, and the group is “keen to interact with any jurisdiction which shares our values,” said Andrew Beveridge, the chief executive officer of eCogra, who also hopes to see, one day, “consistent, global regulation” of online gaming.
Last week, eCogra awarded its “Play it Safe” seal of approval to a number of new sites, around the world, including www.3piggspoker.co.sz, www.royalvegaspoker.com, among others.
The interest of American adults in online gaming is growing, according to a recent poll by Harris Interactive, but security remains a key issue. Seventy six percent of those polled somewhat or strongly disagree that online gambling sites are completely safe today. About 64 percent of American adults don’t think online gambling can be effectively regulated.
But, public perceptions may be lagging behind industry efforts. As a result of testing and technology services and standards, “online gaming is conducted in a secure environment,” Peter Marcus, a spokesman for Intercasino.com, told TheRx.com , in a telephone interview from his London offices.
Younger Americans are more supportive of online casinos, with 33 percent of Echo Boomers, those aged 17 to 27, saying online gaming can be effectively regulated, and 30 percent of Generation X members, those aged 28 to 39, saying the rules can work, according to the Harris poll.
Sincerely,
Mr. Gene Koprowski (M.A., The University of Chicago)
Columnist
United Press International
Digital Visionaries
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