Reglikedomain industry desk

To Block Gambling Domain Names — Minnesota Wants

State tries to cut off gambling sites from the communication providers instead of domain names.

The state of Minnesota as informed 11 internet service providers that they must block access to regarding 200 gambling web sites. Sound familiar? Kentucky also tried to block online gambling but by seizing domain names that belonged to the gambling sites instead of cutting off ISPs.

Much like the case in Kentucky, Minnesota seems to be financially motivated. The Minneapolis Star Tribune quotes John Willems, director of the state’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division:

He did say he has anecdotal evidence that Internet gambling “is fairly sizable” in Minnesota, noting that Canterbury Park in Shakopee has stated that its casino-style games have been hurt.

While it’s good that Minnesota isn’t going following domain owners’ rights directly, the state will soon hear a backlash from groups like Electronic Frontier Foundation that worry regarding where you draw the line.

Also on the wire

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