From the outsider, it may
appear ridiculous that the State of Kentucky seeks to confiscate
over 180 online gambling domains on the basis that these domain
names are being used as gambling devices. Regardless of the
basis for confiscation, this act may appear ridiculous period.
Confiscating the domain names of online international business
operations - many of whom are based outside of the U.S. (let
alone Kentucky), just doesn't seem possible.
That's precisely what the Interactive Media
Entertainment and Gaming Association, Poker Players
Alliance and Bluegrass Institute is hoping to prevent,
following a decision by Franklin County Circuit Judge,
Thomas Wingate, that gives the State of Kentucky the
power to confiscate the online gambling domain names
based on the notion they constitute illegal gambling
devices.
Technically, there hasn't been a court ruling on the
matter just yet. Judge Wingate's decision permits a
temporary seizure of the domains, which State
representatives have agreed to abstain from enforcing
(shutting down the domains) pending negotiations with
lawyers of the domain name owners. With a hearing set
for this upcoming Tuesday, it will be most interesting
to see what the opposing parties bring to the table.
Whether you support online gambling or not, it's hard to
disagree that Kentucky Governor Beshear's motions to
clamp down on the internet betting industry is bad
public policy. With the Kentucky Lottery allowing
bettors to purchase second-chance tickets online, the
persecution against online casino gambling and poker is
nothing short of hypocritical.
What's even more ironic is the fact that Governor
Beshear seems to think that all the betting activity
enjoyed by Kentuckians at online casinos and poker rooms
could be generating millions in revenue for the State.
Critics point out that online gamblers are not going to
settle for the lottery. They are going to gamble online
no matter what. Most people think that making a choice
to gamble online is a fundamental right under the U.S.
Constitution - and that's one point that will certainly
be argued in Tuesday's hearing.
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