LONDON, England – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Officials from more than 30 countries, including New Zealand's high commissioner to Britain Jonathan Hunt, attended a half-day conference near London to discuss ways to regulate the global internet gaming industry.
"The gathering - held in the wake of a decision by the United States Government to effectively ban online gambling - was hosted by Britain's Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who has been harshly critical of the US move to crack down on online gaming, likening it to a new form of the 1920s prohibition on alcohol.
"US officials declined an invitation to take part in the gathering at the Royal Ascot race course, which is the first international summit to discuss the global effects of internet gambling.
"Helen Tunnah, a spokeswoman for New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Ministry, says Mr Hunt and a policy officer based at the high commission in London attended as observers.
"She says feedback on the discussions is expected to be prepared for Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker, who may have to decide next year whether to let the Lotteries Commission sell tickets over the internet, and the Internal Affairs Department…"