30-second summary
- Man from California ordered to hand over more than $93,000 (￡71,000)
- New Jersey allows him to keep $2,500 (￡1,900)?
- Largest case involving casino gambling since internet betting became legal in New Jersey
Gambling outside state borders
A man from California has been ordered to give back more than $90,000 (￡68,500) to New Jersey gambling regulators after he gambled outside the state, according to the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Vinh Dao reportedly violated New Jersey law by opening online accounts in the state. This is against the rules and only those physically in the state of New Jersey can bet online, reports NJ.com.
Sports betting has been legalized in eight states, but California is not one of them. Last June, it was reported that the Golden State was considering its next move; however, no laws have passed yet.
Even though Dao violated the rules, New Jersey has permitted the man to keep $2,500 (￡1,900) of the nearly $93,000 (￡71,000) because of his cooperation and negotiation to end the case.
It’s reported that the case goes back to February 2014, a few months after the state’s internet gambling started. It was also a time when geolocation was still being developed, which New Jersey uses to ensure that people outside of the state aren’t gambling online.
However, it appears that Dao was able to get around the technology. He managed to do it through sites linked with the Borgata and Caesars Interactive-NJ.
The casinos that permitted Dao to gamble online could be subject to fines.
Using technology
Even though technology may have faltered in this case, the use of technology can have a positive impact. This is particularly the case when it comes to preventing minors from gambling illegally online or for those who may spend more than they can afford.
Last October, Ian?Proctor, CEO of Sky Betting & Gaming, said that technology should be used by the gambling industry to protect people from overspending. He also noted that the gambling industry was duty-bound to protect those of its customers who are at risk of developing a problem.
Proctor said: “Responsible gambling is important to me. It’s an emotive topic at the moment… We [the industry as a whole] have not done ourselves any favors. A few years ago, everybody who worked in the industry would have considered that it was up to the customer as an adult to make choices.”
It was reported in February that new rules will come into force May 7 for online gambling operators. The rules mean that they will have to make it fairer and safer for those who take part. Not only that, but they will have to verify the ages of gamblers before they can place a bet.
Neil?McArthur, CEO of the Gambling Commission, said: “These changes will protect children and the vulnerable from gambling-related harm, and reduce the risk of crime linked to gambling.”