Legislation proposed by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) may pave the way for licensed and regulated internet gambling in the United States. However, proper safeguards to prevent underage and problem gambling and ensure consumer protection are integral to the future of the industry. Poker News Daily sat down with Safe Gaming System’s Glenn Gorelick to discuss his company’s potential role in the future landscape of internet gambling.
Poker News Daily: Talk about how Safe Gaming System originated.
Glenn Gorelick: I got into the problem gambling area around 1994 or 1995. After two or three years, I realized that gambling was expanding by leaps and bounds, but what was being done to balance out the equation in terms of responsible and problem gambling was being done on a minimum level. There wasn’t anything to reach the masses.
Rich Johnson, who is the CEO of Safe Gaming Systems, is an engineering and technology guy. The Safe Gaming System evolved as a way to reach the masses worldwide and use technology as a preventative tool to balance out what was happening with gambling expansion. We can reach any place in the world and monitor and control through a variety of features that are built in. As a result, customers will have a better entertainment experience.
PND: Talk about some of the features you offer.
Glenn Gorelick: We have a menu of 23 informational and control features. The data has shown that it is beneficial as a preventative tool for low- and mid-risk players who want to protect themselves. That’s where our technology is targeted and the essence is to work in an interactive manner with the individual. In the long-run, although the gaming operator doesn’t view it this way, you’re going to have a healthier customer that’s going to be able to gamble in the long-term and not create a situation where people gamble too much and fall off the charts.
It’s a healthier way of approaching gambling, but corporations are short-sided. They just see the next fiscal quarter and want you to come to the casino to spend money. However, internet gambling is going to change the status quo. It’s going to create a situation where the government will step in and mandate that protective controls have to enter into the equation. That’s where our technology is targeted and going to be involved.
The control features include setting limits, managing how much time you’re going to spend, and checking your gambling activity. There is also a winnings management feature, so it’s not all based on the negative side. Other features include odds. Overall, the essence is to help a person control themselves more.
PND: We understand that you’ve pitched your safeguards to casino executives. What has been their reaction?
Glenn Gorelick: There have been two different parts. From a casino standpoint, once they realize what we can do, there’s a fear in their eyes. The initial reaction is one of fear to their bottom line. If they calmed down and looked at it in a logical way, they shouldn’t fear it. They might not get more money in the short-term, but they’ll attract certain people who want to gamble, but are afraid to. In the long-run, it’ll be beneficial.
PND: Have you approached any of the major internet gambling operators like PokerStars or Full Tilt Poker?
Glenn Gorelick: They’re going to have to do it because the government is going to demand it as part of their license. We have not yet contacted any online poker sites, though. We would like to, but haven’t explored it. If they want to get into the U.S. market, it might be good to open up discussion.
PND: What presence is the Safe Gaming System hoping to have on Capitol Hill?
Glenn Gorelick: I definitely want to talk to the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) because I think if somehow we can walk down the road together, we can strengthen each other’s positions. We’re going to lobby various groups to make them aware. There are a lot of people out there who don’t know we exist.
Visit SafeGamingSystem.com for more information.
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