In a case that the Lexington Herald-Leader says has “international repercussions,” the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled yesterday that owners of gambling Web sites operating in the state must appear in court to defend themselves against Kentucky’s attempts to seize their domain names, which the state seeks to do to curb illegal Internet gambling.
Web site owners have not appeared in court, remaining anonymous while lawyers for Internet gambling proponents have represented them. One of those lawyers, Jon Fleischaker of Louisville, representing the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, told the Herald-Leader’s Beth Musgrave he considers yesterday’s decision “a very, very temporary setback.” He called it “an unusual decision because it signals an interest in the merits of the case and gives us a road map on how to get back to the Supreme Court quickly.”
The state saw it differently. Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown said it allowed Kentucky to continue its efforts to curb illegal gambling on the Internet. Internet gambling advocates claim a victory for the state would curtail Internet freedom worldwide.
The Poker Players Alliance issued a statement saying, “The commonwealth’s effort at such a bold, broad and, we believe, unlawful seizure sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who uses the Internet.”
Yesterday’s unanimous 6-0 decision said the pro-Internet gambling associations involved must disclose the companies that they represent. A key issue is whether Kentucky has the authority to seize domain names of 141 Web sites run by out-of-state entities, and whether, as the state maintains, the 141 are breaking Kentucky law by operating illegal gaming activities in the state.
Gov. Steve Beshear believes the state can seize the domain names, and proposes closing the sites down, although they currently are still operating.
(HTA)
Seems like everyone is
Seems like everyone is "losing" in Kentucky, the horse capital of the world. Do these guys in government there believe they can continue just breeding horses, while racing goes down the tubes? Harness racing there is a joke, even the Grand Circuit meet is going down the tubes. We go every year for the Grand Circuit; however, short fields and poor races won't cut it. Indiana, and soon, Ohio, are inflating their purses to attract horses for competitive racing. C'mon, Gov. Beshear, get something done down there and save harness racing.