March 16, 2005 – While the Gambling Federation is disappointed at the decision of the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) to terminate its membership, the company is pleased that the IGC board supports the idea that theft and conversion of property is a reprehensible act. However, Gambling Federation is concerned that when the IGC informed them that there are appropriate means to deal with such cases, they failed to indicate these means or the appropriate procedures.
Gambling Federation is seeking membership to an organization that will assist members in pursuing the perpetrator(s) of theft and illegal transfers of property. Considering the offshore presence of the industry and considering that transfers of property do not, for the most part, leave a physical address, Gambling Federation fears that legal actions are not an effective measure to combat such criminality.
If a procedure could be offered, in a reasonable time frame, this will help to define a code of conduct for the entire industry, in the unfortunate event that another operator or software developer falls victim to theft and/or illegal transfer of property.
As a largely self-regulated industry, the internet gaming industry relies on trade associations, not only to offer a customer kite-mark, but to protect their memberships. Self-regulation only works when responsible members of an industry set codes of practice and develop protective measures and procedures to allow its membership appropriate channels to deal with eventualities.
Considering the complex nature of this issue, the Gambling Federation encourages the IGC to take the necessary time to develop these channels, but entreats them to make this a priority. As for Gambling Federation’s forfeited membership fee, it strongly suggests that the IGC donate the concerned sum to the gaming charity of their choice.
Flaviano Fogli, CEO
Gambling Federation