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  • Facebook Launches New Politics Destination

    Facebook has launched a new U.S. Politics page, which highlights the use of Facebook by politicians and campaigns, and according to an update on the page, shares tips and best practices, and news from Facebook. Facebook Public Policy Communications Manager Andrew Noyes emailed us with the news, which he notes is "just in time for the peak of the 2010 political campaign season."

    "The page will highlight how politicians, elected officials, and political campaigns across the United States are using Facebook to better connect with citizens," Facebook says.

    "Facebook is tremendous tool for increasing transparency, collaboration and information sharing between politicians and citizens and the U.S. Politics on Facebook page will be a hub for much of that activity during the 2010 campaign season and beyond," the company says. "The U.S. Politics on Facebook page builds on the sustained success of the Facebook and Government page and the recently launched Congress on Facebook page."

    Facbook Politics Page

    Noyes shared the following "fast facts":

    –  Political figures consider Facebook critical for communicating and connecting with the social network’s more than 400 million users, 100 million of whom are located in the United States.

    –  In the 2008 election, Facebook helped register nearly 60,000 voters; nearly one million people used a Facebook application to remind friends to vote; more than one million voters used Facebook to find their polling location; and more than 5.5 million users told friends that "I Voted" on Facebook.

    –  Today, President Barack Obama (Facebook.com/BarackObama) has more than eight million fans on Facebook and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (Facebook.com/SarahPalin) has more than 1.5 million fans.
     
    –  The Democratic National Committee (Facebook.com/Democrats) and Republican National Committee (Facebook.com/GOP) maintain vibrant Facebook pages with thousands of fans.
     
    –  Political campaigns are using Facebook to organize and communicate with voters in a way unimaginable a decade ago.

    –  Candidates are using Facebook as an increasingly important resource to reach voters directly, without having to go through the traditional media filter or pay for television and radio ads.

    –  Voters increasingly expect to be able to interact and examine candidates on Facebook and share political views and information with their friends.

    Earlier this year, Facebook made it a point to highlight how you can set up Facebook to be your news destination by creating a "News" group and adding pages from your favorite news organizations. Facebook’s appears to want to be integrated with nearly all of your online experience and news is certainly no exception. This new Politics Page is just the latest extension of this.

    On a somewhat related note, former president George W. Bush launched his own Facebook page today, sparking a great deal of conversation throughout the Blogosphere.

  • Facebook Schedules Privacy Briefing For Congress

    Facebook’s employees in Washington, D.C. are going to be in a very uncomfortable position if whatever privacy changes the social network implements tomorrow aren’t well-received.  Facebook has invited members of the House and Senate to attend a special, privacy-centric briefing later this week.

    As the screenshot of an event page below shows, this will be a rather exclusive affair, with only House and Senate staff allowed.  It could turn into something of an interrogation, too, since there will be a question and answer session and Senators Begich, Bennet, Franken, and Schumer have already expressed a few concerns.

    Still, the simple fact that Facebook’s holding a meeting will demonstrate that the social network is trying to take users’ opinions into account, and the meeting will give Facebook an opportunity to put its own spin on the situation (whatever that may be), as well.

    We’ll be sure to watch for new developments afterward.  Whether the whole mess goes away, the critical politicians consider the matter "under discussion," or everything escalates should be interesting to see.

    Anyway, a big hat tip goes to Jolie O’Dell, and yes, to be on the safe/ironic side of things, we obscured the email address and phone number of Corey Owens, a public policy associate at Facebook, even though the Hill Briefing event page is currently public.

  • Google: Voters Want Gov’t To Consider Google Apps

    Polls are tricky things under the best of circumstances, and extra caution is necessary when the results of a poll appear to favor the same company that sponsored it.  However, Google seems to have demonstrated that a significant majority of Americans are interested in seeing their state and local governments adopt Google Apps.

    GoogleWorking on behalf of Google, the Clarus Research Group conducted telephone interviews with 1,000 American voters.  It found that 92 percent of those individuals believe "public agencies should make better use of new technologies to cut government spending and improve efficiency."

    Then Clarus revealed in an official release, "When told the ‘City of Los Angeles contracted out the hosting and management of its e-mail system to Google, and was able to improve services and save over a million dollars a year as a result,’ 72% of voters said they want their state and local governments to seriously consider doing the same with their e-mail systems."

    And due to a lack of vague wording, that second statistic is much harder to dismiss.

    The publication of these findings represents a fairly serious push on Google’s part to increase the market share of Google Apps.  Polls aren’t cheap, and asking voters to contact politicians (as a new post on the Official Google Enterprise Blog does) is a significant step.  Microsoft and other competitors may need to watch out.

  • Google Releases Playable PAC-MAN Doodle

    Google Releases Playable PAC-MAN Doodle

    Google has released a really cool playable doodle of PAC-MAN to celebrate the game’s 30th birthday.

    The Google Blog offers all the fun details. "Today, on PAC-MAN’s 30th birthday, you can rediscover some of your 8-bit memories-or meet PAC-MAN for the first time-through our first-ever playable Google doodle. To play the game, go to google.com during the next 48 hours (because it’s too cool to keep for just one day) and either press the ‘Insert Coin’ button or just wait for a few seconds."

    Google-PAC-MAN

    Google says it has included all the original sounds and graphics of the original PAC-MAN along with an easter egg for Ms. PAC-MAN.

    "We also added a little easter egg: if you throw in another coin, Ms. PAC-MAN joins the party and you can play together with someone else (PAC-MAN is controlled with arrow keys or by clicking on the maze, Ms. PAC-MAN using the WASD keys)."

     

     

  • Walmart Launches Online Video Game Store

    Walmart has launched a new online video game store called Gamecenter, which the company describes as a one-stop destination for video game previews, first look exclusives and special savings.

    To promote the launch of the site, Walmart.com is offering a $50 eGift Card to people that preorder three or more new titles, including "Medal of Honor," "Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood," and "Fallout: New Vegas." Walmart said all videos games ordered can be shipped for 97 cents each.

    Each month, Gamecenter will feature new video games along with exclusive content, and special offers for each title. A countdown clock will show the days until the most popular preorder titles are available.

    Walmart-Gamecenter

    "Walmart Gamecenter combines incredible savings with exclusive gaming content all in a compelling and interactive experience online," says Kelly Thompson, vice president of merchandising for Walmart.com.

    "Gaming enthusiasts will be drawn in by the exclusive content and developer interviews, while moms will appreciate the special savings only Walmart can offer on the hottest video game titles."

    Customers can upgrade their video game collection through Walmart’s online Trade-In program, which allows them to trade their used games and earn Walmart prepaid Visa cards. Used gaming consoles are also accepted for trade-in.
     

     

  • Hearing Highlights Benefits Of Internet Gambling Regulation

    The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative said today it strongly supports testimony by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Jim McDermott (D-WA) on the ability to regulate online gambling to protect consumers, collect billions in new government revenue and create thousands of new jobs in the U.S.

    "Today’s witnesses clearly articulated why Congress should give fair consideration to regulating online gambling activity as a way to protect Americans, stimulate the economy by creating tens of thousands of new jobs and profit from the collection of tens of billions of otherwise lost revenue," said
    Michael-Waxman-Internet-Gam.jpgMichael Waxman, spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. 

    "Upon hearing today’s testimony and acknowledgment that current attempts to prohibit online gambling have failed, it simply makes sense for Congress to address this issue and take control of the thriving underground marketplace."

    The main focus of the hearing was Rep.McDermott’s Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2010, which would generate as much as $72 billion in new revenue over ten years for federal and state governments.  The legislation would also allocate 25 percent of federal revenue, estimated by the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation at nearly $42 billion over 10 years, to provide assistance for those in foster care.
     
    "With our national unemployment rate at more than 10 percent and all but six states anticipating budget shortfalls for the 2011 fiscal year, this legislation is a win-win," said Waxman. 

    "It’s not everyday that the opportunity to generate billions of dollars and creates tens of thousands of jobs comes along.  Congress should seize the opportunity that this legislation presents and move forward in regulating Internet gambling."  
     

  • Obama Slams the iPad, iPod, XBox and Playstation

    Does President Obama realize that the iPod, Xbox and Playstation are specifically designed to be distractions, diversions and a form of entertainment? 

    In a speech to the graduating class today at Hampton University in Virginia Obama said this:

    "You’re coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don’t always rank that high on the truth meter.

    And with iPods and iPads, and Xboxes and PlayStations — none of which I know how to work — information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation.

    So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it’s putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy."

    Are the iPods, Xboxes and Playstations "distractions" rather than "tools of empowerment", as Obama claims? It’s not as if these devices were ever intended to be anything more than diversions.

    Mr. Obama, should we really be looking at these gadgets as a "means of emancipation"? 

    >>> Give us your thoughts on this in our comments section below…

  • DMA Says Privacy Bill Would Hurt Online Advertising

    The Direct Marketing Association has voiced its opposition to a draft of a privacy bill introduced this week by Representatives Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL).

    The DMA says the draft bill has potentially sweeping impacts for direct marketers working across every marketing channel, from direct mail and telemarketing to email, Internet and, mobile marketing.

    Linda-Woolley.jpg "DMA and other trade associations are in the process of implementing a significant new self-regulatory program that applies consumer-friendly standards to online behavioral advertising across the Internet, giving consumers meaningful notice and choices about the advertising they receive," said Linda Woolley, DMA’s executive vice president, government affairs. 

    "We should give this program a chance to work before legislating in this area.  We look forward to working further with Representatives Boucher and Stearns, as well as other lawmakers, to find the appropriate balance between consumer privacy and business innovation so that Internet commerce can continue to be a driving force for job creation in this difficult economy."

    Boucher says the draft bill is not aimed at hampering the use of advertising content and services on ecommerce sites.

    "Online advertising supports much of the commercial content, applications and services that are available on the Internet today without charge, and this legislation will not disrupt this well established and successful business model. It simply extends to consumers important baseline privacy protections," Boucher said.
     

  • GameFly Brings GameCenter App to Android and Palm

    Gamefly, widely considered the Netflix of games, has just released its mobile GameCenter app for Android and Palm devices.

    "Originally issued last fall for the iPhone, GameCenter provides a portal into all things games-related, complete with news stories, video trailers, cheats, reviews, upcoming release dates and more," a GameFly representative tells WebProNews. "GameFly developed this version to meet the requests by subscribers and fans."

    The free app also provides access to game screenshots, publisher and developer info, recent user and game critic reviews, box art, and game controls.

    Gamefly Comes to Android and Palm devices

    GameFly subscribers can use the app to manage their GameQ and member info. New features in the Palm app include Calendar Notification, which marks calendars for upcoming new releases, and Web O/S Games, which includes news, updates and price changes for Palm games. It’s available for Palm Pre and Pixi. The Android App requires Android OS 1.6 and above.

    GameFly is the largest video game rental subscription service in the U.S.

  • FTC Launches Site To Teach Kids About Advertising

    The Federal Trade Commission has launched a new advertising literacy campaign aimed at helping older children understand the ads they say and become smarter consumers.

    "Today’s kids see advertising everywhere – in movies and TV shows, outdoors, on phones, in games," said David C. Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

    "That’s why it’s important to teach them how to apply critical thinking skills to the ads they see.  The resources at Admongo.gov help kids figure out who’s responsible for ads, what ads are saying, and what ads want their target audiences to do."

    admongo.jpg

    The campaign is targeted to "tweens" ages 8 to 12, and includes a free game-based website at Admongo.gov. The curriculum is tied to national standards of learning in language arts and social studies that teachers can use to educate students, a library of fictional ads that can be used as teaching tools, and activities parents can do with their children.

    The online game allows kids to create an avatar and features four levels of play to help them think critically about advertising. In "The Atrium," they identify the ads that are around them.  In the "Assemblimator," they learn how to take apart an ad, evaluate its claims, and figure out how ads try to persuade people.  In the "Planadtarium," they find out how ads are targeted, and in "The Adgitator," they build and target their own ads.  Throughout the game, players learn to ask the three critical questions about ads, no matter where they see them:  Who is responsible for the ad?  What is it actually saying?  What does it want me to do?

    "To me, the great thing about Admongo is that its gaming format is designed to reach out to children right at the age where they can actually distinguish between content and advertising," said C. Lee Peeler, President and CEO of the National Advertising Review Council.
     

     

  • Senator Contests Facebook’s New Approach To Privacy

    Privacy experts and random users are no longer the only ones complaining about how Facebook’s latest moves have affected privacy.  Senator Charles Schumer made an objection of his own yesterday, and in fact asked the Federal Trade Commission to provide guidelines concerning the use of private info.

    Charles SchumerThe good news for Facebook is that Schumer hasn’t declared war on social networks.  At times, his letter to the FTC was quite complimentary; Kemberly Richardson reported that he wrote, "These sites have helped reconnect old friends, allow families from far away to stay in touch, and created new friendships; overall they provide a great new way to communicate."

    He continued, however, "As these sites become more and more popular . . . it’s vitally important that safeguards are in place that provide users with control over their personal information to ensure they don’t receive unwanted solicitations."

    And Schumer also wrote with regards to the lengthy series of steps required to decline using Facebook’s latest features, "This opt out procedure is confusing, unclear, and you might even say hidden."

    Facebook, meanwhile, is standing by its privacy controls and experiment involving Microsoft, Pandora, and Yelp, so it doesn’t look like Schumer’s letter will incite any changes on its own at this point.

  • North Carolina Offers Tax Amnesty For Online Retailers

    North Carolina Offers Tax Amnesty For Online Retailers

    The North Carolina Department of Revenue said today it is working with online retailers who operate affiliate programs in the state to resolve issues of tax liability.

    Kenneth-Lay-North-Carolina The state said it will waive all back sales taxes and penalties for online retailers that sign an agreement by August 31 to start collecting sales tax.

    An initiative called the Internet Transactions Resolution Program is the result of discussions between the department and a number of ecommerce retailers.

    "We are going to be asking quite a number of them to participate in the program," said revenue Secretary Kenneth Lay. "We have positive indications that several will sign up."

    Any retailer that did not register for sales and use tax as a result of an affiliate program in North Carolina at any time is eligible to participate in the program. Retailers may resolve their prior tax liability by registering for sales and use tax and agree to collect and pay those taxes for four years, beginning September 1.

    The program begins today and retailers have until June 30 to register for the program. Retailers who do not register will be subject to taxes, penalties and interest.

     

  • Google Blasted Over Lobbying Expenditure

    Google’s paying a whole lot of money to talk to politicians, and the consumer advocacy group known as Consumer Watchdog isn’t at all happy about it.  Consumer Watchdog condemned Google this morning for spending $1.38 million in the first quarter of this year.

    That expenditure works out to a 57 percent increase over what Google spent during the same period in 2009, and Consumer Watchdog’s John M. Simpson observed as a result, "Google is relatively new to the influence-peddling game, but they’re now one of the highest rollers in Washington."

    Simpson also said in a statement, "Google is seeking laws that let the company do whatever it wants in its quest for record profits.  If that means record sums on influence-peddling, so be it."

    Those comments won’t do Google’s reputation much good, and the data is impossible to deny; you can see portions of an official government document for yourself below.

    Google might be able to argue that it isn’t just out to make money, though.  Other parts of the document name specific lobbying issues, and they include innocuous-sounding topics like "renewable energies," "health information technology," and "encouraging accessibility of public sector information."

  • Google Faces Tax Protest Again In The UK

    On at least two previous occasions, UK politicians have argued that Google’s accounting is a little too creative when it comes to taxes, and this weekend, the search giant was called out again.  Lord David Puttnam even used the word "outrageous" to describe Google’s habits.

    Google LogoThis whole affair began about one year ago, when an accountant hired by the Sunday Times found that over 90 percent of Google’s UK tax revenues were channeled through Ireland in 2007, saving the company something like $160 million due to differences in tax rates.

    A later report determined that Google managed to avoid paying $725 million in 2008, too.

    Now, there aren’t any new numbers, but according to Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Puttnam told the Sunday Telegraph, "Multinationals such as Google that are generating such significant profits should pay the taxes that we pay on revenues we generate."

    And Puttnam’s opinions carry some weight.  He’s a knight, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the UK government’s digital advisor, and sits on the Labour benches in the House of Lords.

    Google’s accountants and lawyers might want to get ready for a fight, then, if anything comes of this new round of complaints.

  • Google Writes President Over Consumer Energy Info

    Google – along with 46 other organizations – is pressing harder than ever for progress in terms of informing consumers about their energy consumption.  Google – and those 46 other entities – wrote a letter to the president today, asking for his help in the matter.

    Google LogoThe list of groups includes some impressive names, including AT&T, Best Buy, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Nokia, Verizon, and Whirlpool.  As for their goals, one aim is to educate people about generation sources of electricity, another’s to spread information about pricing, and the third is to let individuals determine precisely how they’re using energy.

    The president’s supposed to step in by asking federal agencies, state governments, and corporations to work together towards these ends.  He could convene White House summits, too, and even give consumers a bit of a nudge (with simple verbal encouragement or something like "Cash for Caulkers").

    In return, the letter‘s signees promised, "We stand ready to assist you in your efforts to empower energy consumers, rebuild the economy, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

    It’s hard to imagine this appeal will go unanswered, so stand by to see if Google will begin to work with the government in yet another way.

  • Parliamentary Clips May Come To YouTube

    Parliamentary Clips May Come To YouTube

    Some rather important proceedings might soon become viewable to everyone with an Internet connection and access to YouTube.  A report’s indicated that a ban covering video footage of the UK’s House of Commons could be lifted in the near future.

    YouTube Logo

    Elected Members of Parliament hold debates and vote on legislation in the House of Commons, making it somewhat similar to America’s House of Representatives.  It’s essentially footage of the democratic process that’s at stake, then.

    So here’s the latest information: Dan Sabbagh reported that a ban "could come to an end in the coming weeks after months of delicate negotiations between the Palace of Westminster and broadcasters led by the BBC."

    Sabbagh later explained, "Negotiations have been going on for over 18 months within the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit Limited, a committee of officials and broadcasters responsible for licensing parliamentary footage.  If the BBC succeeds, it would allow any third party to ’embed’ prime minister’s questions, or any part of the proceedings of parliament."

    This would count as a major win for YouTube.  Granted, it’s hard to say whether or not lots of people would watch the footage, and news clips and transcripts prevent Members of Parliament from keeping secrets.  But YouTube has made many efforts over the years to be a source of serious information, and a breakthrough here would help it on that front.

  • Facebook Provides Insight Into D.C. Employees’ Jobs

    Last week, we reported that Facebook wanted to hire two people in Washington, D.C., and then dissected the official descriptions of the positions as best we could.  Still, the bullet points left a lot unclear, so it’s noteworthy that Facebook provided some clarifying paragraphs today.

    Adam Conner was the first member of Facebook’s D.C. team, and a post he wrote for the company’s internal blog was actually promoted to its public blog this afternoon.  Conner – who also deserves applause for being a Conan supporter – did a good job of explaining some of his responsibilities and favorite moments.

    Here’s one excerpt that reveals just how politically connected Facebook may be: Conner wrote, "The week of January 11-17 was pretty cool, helping to pull together the Global Disaster Relief Page in just few hours.  I went on vacation that weekend and was on the phone in Mexico convincing President Clinton to plug our Facebook page as part of the relief efforts."

    As for the more day-to-day stuff, Conner described his duties by writing, "I get to sit in meetings with vaguely important and occasionally actually important people and explain why Facebook is like the wheel or fire and how not using it really isn’t an option anymore."

    It sounds like the social network’s well on its way to being omnipresent in Washington, then, especially as it adds two more employees.

  • Facebook To Position Public Policy Experts In D.C.

    It looks like Facebook will soon begin trying harder to bend the ears of our nation’s leaders.  Listings for a public policy manager and public policy associate have both been posted on the social network’s "Open Positions" page, and Facebook’s decided that these people will work in Washington, D.C.

    This isn’t a simple matter of having a couple of folks sit around, answering questions and maybe defending the company when necessary.  Facebook wants the new hires to be quite active.

    The public policy manager will be expected to "monitor legislative and regulatory matters at the state governmental level, participate in federal policy discussions, and lead company’s interactions with consumer organizations," according to the official listing.  He (or she) is supposed to "[b]uild coalitions to advance policy goals of Facebook," too.

    As for the associate, this individual is meant to attend Congressional Committees, deal with nonprofits, and help with Facebook’s "election and voter action activities," whatever those may be.  Plus have a sense of humor that his or her boss isn’t required to possess.

    Anyway, Cecilia Kang, who deserves a hat tip, noted, "Those jobs would bring Facebook’s staff in Washington to five.  It recently hired journalist Andrew Noyes for public policy communications and Tim Sparapani from the ACLU, who is now director of public policy.  Adam Conner began the office and deals with lobbying and policy issues including privacy."

  • Google Reiterates Support For Uncensored Results In China

    When Google made its dramatic "new approach to China" announcement in January, it sounded as if the company might leave the country within the month.  Obviously, that didn’t happen.  But according to testimony given today before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law, Google hasn’t forgotten its ultimatum.

    Nicole Wong, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, spoke today about China, the Internet, and censorship, and by way of recap, said, "The attack on our corporate infrastructure and the surveillance it uncovered – as well as attempts over the past year to limit free speech on the Web even further – led us to conclude that we are no longer willing to censor our results in China and we are currently reviewing our options."

    Wong then argued, "This decision is in keeping with out pledge when we launched Google.cn that we will carefully monitor conditions in China, including new laws and other restrictions on our services.  As we stated then, if we determine that we are unable to achieve our objectives, we will not hesitate to reconsider our approach to China."

    This should provide some reassurance to free speech advocates who feared Google was backing down from a fight (and/or trying not to abandon a potential profit center).

    Unfortunately, Wong didn’t provide any sort of timetable with regards to when Google will reach a decision, which seems to leave the figurative door open to weeks or months of waffling.

  • Online Gaming Growth Up 10%

    Online Gaming Growth Up 10%

    The average number of hours spent each week on online gaming has climbed 10 percent since 2009, while an average of 20 percent of all games purchased were digitally downloaded up from 19 percent in 2009, according to a new report from The NPD Group.

     Among those reporting they personally play video games on at least one type of console, 54 percent said they play games online, down slightly since 2009 and 2008 (56% and 55% respectively).

    The average number of hours spent per week on online gaming has increased from 7.3 hours per week in 2009 to 8 hours per week in the 2010 report. This means that, despite the decline in overall online game play, those who are playing, are spending more time playing than they did last year.

    Anita-Frazier-NPD "While the percentage of the population that reports playing games has declined slightly, this study details other metrics which point to both stability and growth in both online and offline gaming," said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group."

    The report found 71 percent of online gamers purchased or received a game over the 2009 holiday season. There were no major changes to the percent of online gamers making purchase from 2008 to 2010, and also no significant changes regarding average volumes purchased during that same time period. This indicates online gamers buying habits may not have been significantly impacted by the recession and it may be a positive for the future.

    "The installed base of video game systems continues to grow, the platforms available to play games continue to expand, and the options for content acquisition have never been greater, especially online," said Frazier.
    "And yet, effective monetization of many forms of online gaming continues to be a topic of much debate and discussion within the industry."

    "Mobile gaming, for instance, has advanced to play a bigger role and the iPhone, in particular, is attracting a lot of attention given the dizzying array of game apps available for this device. Social networks have emerged as the hot venue for online gaming, due to the huge number of subscribers these are attracting. But still, it’s unclear which business models are working in this space."

    The PC is still the most-used system for online gaming, with 85% of online gamers reporting using a PC for online gaming activities.  Among non-PC systems, the Xbox 360 maintains its leadership for the third year in a row as the top video game system used for online gaming at 48%.  In contrast to 2009, when Wii was leading over PS3 by 8 percentage points, PS3 and Wii are now neck and neck, with about 30 percent of online gamers reporting that they use each system for online gaming.

    This is due to an increase in use for online gaming on the part of the PS3, which increased 10 percentage points since last year. The top three systems with the highest average hrs/wk spent gaming online (using the respective systems they own) are: Xbox 360 (7.3 hrs), PC (6.6 hrs) and PS3 (5.8 hrs).

     

  • New Legislation Aims To Regulate Internet Gambling

    The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, an advocacy group, said today it supports the introduction of legislation by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) that includes provisions to legalize and regulate Internet gambling under the "Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2010.

    Michael-Waxman-Internet-Gam.jpg   "With so much media focus on the differences between Democrats and Republicans in Congress, this bipartisan initiative highlights the growing support on both ends of Capitol Hill for replacing the failed prohibition on Internet gambling with a system to regulate the industry, protect consumers and generate billions in new revenue," said Michael Waxman, spokesperson for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. 

    "We applaud Senators Wyden and Gregg for taking the initiative to address and drive this issue."

    Provisions to regulate Internet gambling are similar to those included in the "Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act" introduced last year by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA). Chairman Frank’s bill has the support of a group of 65 bipartisan co-sponsors.

     A Joint Committee on Taxation analysis found that regulating Internet gambling would generate nearly $42 billion over 10 years for the U.S. Treasury. The analysis is based on the provision of federal license for operators that would allow them to offer online gambling in the U.S., while still prohibiting sports betting.