SOURCE: PRNewswire

(Washington, D.C.) — Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which represents the largest global remote gambling companies, today endorsed the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative for its efforts to promote the freedom of individuals to gamble online with the proper safeguards to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions.

"RGA endorses the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative in its mission to support regulated Internet gambling and protect consumers betting online," said Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive. "Internet gambling is capable of control in order to prevent it from being used as a source of crime. Only through a regulatory framework as championed by the Initiative, will the proper protections be in place to guard against money laundering, fraud and identity theft." The RGA provides the industry with a single voice on all the issues of importance to regulators, legislators, and key decision makers.

"RGA's endorsement is a significant indication of the importance of mobilizing support for regulated Internet gambling, and we are delighted they are joining our effort," said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesman for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. "We encourage supporters to visit Safeandsecureig.org to urge Members of Congress to cosponsor legislation to regulate Internet gambling thereby protecting consumers and capturing billions in revenue that is needed for critical government programs."

RGA recently offered further evidence to Members of Congress in testimony to the House Committee on Financial Services that a regulatory framework for Internet gambling would protect consumers and provide integrity to Internet gambling financial transactions. Existing systems and technology have proven successful in combating underage and compulsive gambling and protecting Internet gambling transactions according to the RGA.

RGA encourages social responsibility within the betting and gaming industry both for the benefit of operators and the general public through various means including support for charities and initiatives to help those who have gambling problems.

Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative

Endorsers of the Initiative include the UC Group and Baker Tilly. Additional endorsers are highlighted on the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative website.