WFSB Channel 3Lawmakers to hold forum on online gambling

Lawmakers to hold forum on online gambling

Will Connecticut go "all in" when it comes to the prospect of online gambling?

Lawmakers are holding a forum on Thursday to hear from experts, and Gov. Dannel Malloy has stated that he believes it's only a matter of time before online gambling makes its way into the state.

It is a billion dollar industry and now Connecticut is looking to try its hand at online poker and other Internet based gaming.

On Thursday, the legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee will hold an informational hearing on the possibility of online gaming coming to Connecticut.

Those scheduled to testify include representatives from the state Attorney General's office, the Connecticut council on Problem Gambling, the Lottery Corporation, and Connecticut's two casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.

Right now, Americans can gamble on foreign Internet based sites, sending billions of dollars overseas every year.

The push by cash strapped states looking into online gambling is the result of a December opinion from the United States Justice Department stating in-state Internet gambling does not violate federal law.

The ruling potentially paves the way for states to legalize some form of online gaming, from poker to slots and online sports betting would still be illegal.

Opponents said legalizing online gambling opens the door towards addiction, bankruptcy, and the potential difficulty of policing it and making sure minors aren't playing.

The forum is expected to begin at 10 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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