News and Blog

Washington Examiner Op-ed: New Internet gambling law needed now (Louis Freeh and Tom Ridge)

Posted on February 16, 2012

By Louis Freeh and Tom Ridge

Having served for the last 30 years in significant legal roles -- legislator, governor, prosecutor, judge -- we understand that fundamental elements of the rule of law include clarity and enforcement.

Opaque directives have the potential to invite violations and hinder enforcement. This is particularly true when attempting to apply old laws to new problems, and a recent vote by the District of Columbia Council demonstrates why.

Heads-Up with FairPlayUSA Advisor, Former FBI Director Louis Freeh

Posted on January 18, 2012

Pushing for the Federal regulation of online poker in the United States is FairPlayUSA. The organization features an eclectic set of advisors, among them former FBI Director Judge Louis Freeh (pictured). The fifth Director of the FBI, Freeh has also served as an Assistant United States Attorney and is now the Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Freeh, Sporkin, and Sullivan. PocketFives sat down with Freeh to get his take on the current status of online poker in the United States.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Prospects improve for legalized online poker

Posted on January 13, 2012

FairPlayUSA, which backs federal regulation and was funded by casino giants MGM Resorts and Caesar's Entertainment, released this statement from former FBI Director Louis Freeh, a member of its board of advisers:

"This (ruling) proves the need for federal legislation, because unlicensed and unregulated sites will now proliferate more than ever, without safeguards against fraud, underage gambling and money laundering. Further, we will have multiple state regimes without consistent regulatory standards for activity that takes place electronically across state lines. States do not possess the necessary law enforcement tools to enact such regulatory requirements in a border-less Internet. Only strict and comprehensive federal regulation will ensure that play is safe, secure and confined to players among jurisdictions that permit the practice."

New Study Finds Online Poker Would Have No Damaging Effects on Lotteries

Posted on December 6, 2011

A new study released today by FairPlayUSA found that the federal regulation of online poker would not have deleterious effects on state lotteries because lotteries and poker are fundamentally different products, used by fundamentally different consumers.

“This study will be an important tool in FairPlayUSA’s ongoing efforts to educate and create public momentum for effective law enforcement, consumer protections and regulation surrounding the legalization of online poker,” said Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania and advisor of FairPlayUSA.

National Association of Police Organizations Commends Efforts to Give U.S. Law Enforcement Tools to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling, Protect Consumers

Posted on November 17, 2011

The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) recently commended the efforts of FairPlayUSA to give U.S. law enforcement agencies the resources needed to crack down on illegal gambling operations and to protect children and American consumers who choose to play Internet poker.

Highly-decorated Former FBI Agent Joins FairPlayUSA Advisory Board

Posted on November 15, 2011

FairPlayUSA announced today that Jack Garcia, a highly-decorated former FBI agent with more than 25 years of investigations experience, has joined the coalition as a member of the Advisory Board. He joins a group that includes former federal judge and FBI Director Louis Freeh, former governor and first Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and child advocate and cyberlaw expert Parry Aftab.

Video: Consumer and family cybersafety issues expert Parry Aftab's testimony before Congress

Posted on October 26, 2011

Watch FairPlayUSA Advisory Board Member and consumer and family cybersafety issues expert Parry Aftab's testimony before Congress. Then click the "Tweet" or "Like" button to spread the word to your friends: Urge them to stand with us and sign the FairPlayUSA online petition!

Testimony from Former FBI Director Louis Freeh submitted to Subcommittee Hearing: Internet Gaming: Is there a safe bet?

Posted on October 25, 2011

The issue of illegal gambling and its impact on individuals, businesses and our country has been ubiquitous throughout the many different roles I have played in my career: working law school student, FBI agent, prosecutor, Federal judge, FBI Director and now private practice attorney.

Statement By The National District Attorneys Association on Combating Illegal Internet Gambling, Creating a Strong Regulatory Framework for Legal Online Poker

Posted on October 24, 2011

"The National District Attorneys Association is encouraged by the efforts of Former Governor Tom Ridge, Judge Louis Freeh and FairPlayUSA to combat illegal internet gambling and create a strong regulatory framework for legal online poker.

National Journal Tech Daily Dose: Energy And Commerce Panel To Examine Net Gambling

Posted on October 19, 2011

By Juliana Gruenwald
National Journal
October 19, 2011

It looks like supporters of fully legalizing online poker may get a chance to make their case before Congress.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade has scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday on Internet gambling. While the hearing is not specifically focused on online poker, the panel will likely discuss legislation introduced this summer by Reps. Joe Barton, R-Texas, and Barney Frank, D-Mass. The measure has been referred to the subcommittee.

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