The Connecticut Division of Special Revenue ruled yesterday that the ‘PlayAway’ game on the Internet, run from Foxwoods Casino’s website, violates both state and federal gambling laws. The game, approved by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe’s Gaming Commission, allowed gamblers to buy tickets at the casino and check the result on computer. The tribe is to review the state’s decision.

Foxwoods claims that the game is not online gambling because the result is predetermined and no money transaction takes place. The keno tickets are bought at the casino and must be redeemed at the casino. The state claims that ‘PlayAway’ illegally expands gaming off the reservation, promotes underage gambling and deceives players with the idea that they are playing a game of chance. The State Attorney is reported as saying he is prepared to defend the Division of Special Revenue’s ruling in court.

The tribal Gaming Commission chairman says the game is the same as one that has been running for years at the casino but that the tribe plans to alter the Internet software to make it clearer that the only game being played is keno and the results predetermined. If the tribe decides to contest yesterday’s ruling and the outcome is successful then other tribes could offer similar games. (E-08.12.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage