The international gathering at the famous Ascot racecourse in Berkshire yesterday agreed a draft framework to regulate online gambling. The aim of regulating the industry is to protect players and prevent underage gambling and addiction. The UK government, unlike the US administration, is of the opinion that strict regulation of the industry is a far better option than prohibition, which will probably drive online gambling underground in America.

However, Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stated that the government would not protect online gambling executives from extradition if they operated in countries where such bets are illegal. The Ascot meeting was attended by representatives from 32 countries but the United States declined the invitation. Agreement was reached for cooperation in key areas to keep online gambling crime-free and fair, as well as offer protection to the vulnerable.

Richard Caborn expressed satisfaction with the way the meeting had gone and mentioned involving a wider spectrum of global institutions, including UNESCO and the financial sector. The online market for gambling is now worth over US$30 billion. Britain has an estimated one million online gamblers, nearly one-third of European players. The country already hosts 70 Internet gaming websites although casino games and poker must wait until next year to be registered. (E-11.01.06)

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