Gambling exec: US needs Internet poker regulations

LAS VEGAS -- Brick-and-mortar casinos are opening in Ohio and Illinois.

Voters in Oregon, Rhode Island and Maryland will vote on gambling initiatives Nov. 6.

And Massachusetts is developing a regulatory structure for gaming in the Bay State.

U.S, American Gaming Association chief Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. said Tuesday that with billions of dollars being bet worldwide on the Internet, Congress needs to develop a clear framework for regulating online poker.

Otherwise, he says states will adopt a patchwork of rules and regulations that will make oversight difficult and put customers at risk.

Fahrenkopf made the remarks during a media briefing at the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. He says overall gambling revenues are up so far this year at U.S. casinos compared with last year.