U.S. Gaming Companies Prepare for the Internet Fri July 6 2001 U.S. gaming companies are eager to get into the online casino industry, but face several obstacles. Even before Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn signed the bill that could eventually allow state casino resorts to set up shop on the Internet, the three largest gambling companies - MGM, Harrah's and Park Place Entertainment - were making moves toward the Net by opening play-for-fun sites. "Believe me, there are a lot of other large operators who would be ready to go today if the right button could be pushed," says Sue Schneider, president of the River City Group and chairman of the Interactive Gaming Council. Before Nevada casinos are given the green light, the ambiguity of the federal Wire Act must be wiped away. "We can't get into the situation where we adopt rules and authorize these operations, then have indictments," says Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval. Nevada's virtual casinos must be able to ensure that people from states where no legal wagering is permitted are kept out. Companies including CyberLocator.com have begun demonstrating how inexpensive USB devices can pinpoint the location of any equipped computer using measurements taken from satellite sensors. Sites must also verify the age of gamblers, perhaps by using a biometric device such as a thumbprint detector that can match users with a database of authorized gamblers.
The Dallas Morning News has the complete story.
The Dallas Morning News has the complete story.
