U.S. AG Nominee Loretta Lynch Says Reversing Online Gambling Stance Unlikely

U.S. Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch has gone on record as saying she was unlikely to reverse a landmark Department of Justice opinion concluding that a 1961 Wire Act only applied to sports betting and excluded other forms of online gambling.  That decision prompted a handful of states to begin legalizing Web poker and casino games within their borders.

“It is my understanding, however that OLC opinions are rarely reconsidered,” Lynch said in a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Unless in the course of my review I conclude that OLC’s interpretation of the Wire Act is unreasonable, I do not intend to take any action to suspend or revoke the opinion,” she said.

Using gambling lingo, Lynch is widely considered a “lock” to be named the new U.S. Attorney General.

Legislation was reintroduced in Congress last month that sought to make all forms of Internet gambling illegal.  Republican Jason Chaffetz of Utah helped draft the measure, which is backed by GOP mega donor and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.  His colleague in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, was set to introduce a similar version of the bill,

Graham quizzed Lynch as she appeared before the Committee, asking if she would ally herself with the anti-gambling coalition. 

 “I would, of course, welcome the opportunity to work with you and other members of Congress to address concerns about online gambling through legislation,” she said.

Lynch has prosecuted a number of gambling-related cases while serving as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com