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6 Pitt. J. Tech. L. & Pol'y 1 (2005-2006)
Online Casino Advertising: Testing the Limits of Commercial Speech

handle is hein.journals/pittjtlp6 and id is 193 raw text is: Volume VI - Article 7

ONLINE CASINO ADVERTISING: TESTING THE LIMITS OF COMMERCIAL SPEECH
Andrew Hall'
Spring 2006
Copyright © University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Journal of Technology Law and Policy
I. Introduction
The advent of the Internet has revolutionized the daily lives of everyone by giving
increased access to information and consumer transactions, while also adding change and
further complexity to the law. Gambling has adapted to the arrival of the Internet with
online sports books2 and online casino gambling,3 both developing a presence on the
Internet. These new online casinos have begun to advertise both on the Internet and
through more traditional broadcasting, like radio and television.4 As a result, the
Department of Justice has begun to crack down on online casino advertisers, primarily by
threatening prosecution against advertisers through the Wire Act (18 U.S.C. § 1084).
One of these advertisers is Casinocity.com, a for-profit Louisiana corporation that runs a
website that disseminates information about online casinos, casino-style games, and
sports betting.5 In June 2003, the Department of Justice sent a memo to the National
Association of Broadcasters warning that those who advertised for online casinos could
'University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. expected 2006.
2 See Sportsbook.com, at http://www.sportsbook.com (last visited Jan. 29, 2005) (sports books allow
gamblers to place bets on the outcome of various outcomes of a sporting event like the final score of the
game or the total points scored in the game).
3 See Goldenpalace.com, at http://www.goldenpalace.com (last visited Jan. 29, 2005) (online casinos allow
bettors to play traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette).
4 See Brent Jex, Online Casinos: A New Area for Presentation, 2002 UCLA J. L. & TECH. NOTES 8 (2002)
(noting that online casinos are the fifth largest industry advertiser in the United States).
See Casinocity.com, at http://www.casinocity.com (last visited Jan. 29, 2005).

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