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.

The report, “An Evaluation of the Effects of Online poker on State Lotteries” was created by Christiansen Capital Advisors (CAA) for FairPlayUSA and analyzed demographic and economic data in addition to a recent report by Public Gaming Research Institute (PGRI). “Americans who want to play poker online deserve a strictly regulated, safe industry here in the United States,” said Marisa McNee, executive director of FairPlayUSA.

“This study uses empirical data to refute any claim that the federal regulation of online poker would adversely impact U.S. lottery sales or state lottery revenues.” The study explains that online poker wouldn’t affect lottery sales for several additional reasons:

• Internet gambling games of all kind are already available today and, if any substitution effect exists, it has already been experienced by state lotteries.
• Proposed federal legislation would regulate online poker and establish new methods and tools to enforce laws against casino-style games and Internet sports wagering.
• Proposed federal legislation would allow states to “opt-out” of regulated online poker which means any state that fears impacts on their lottery can simply opt out.
• If substitution has already occurred, lotteries would benefit from the new federal legislation that would remove the illegal sites that are currently in the U.S. marketplace.

To view the full report please visit http://www.fairplayusa.com/sites/default/files/FairPlayStateLotteriesRep...