Casino City files suit against US Department of Justice
suit being filed claiming that DOJ is violating the principles of the First Amendment
Tuesday 10th August 2004
Internet gambling publication, Casino City, has filed a suit against the US Department of Justice, in reaction to its attempted banning on advertising online gambling sites. The suit is being filed claiming that the Department of Justice is violating the principles of the First Amendment, by warning broadcasters of advertising for the online gambling industry that they may face prosecution if they continue to do so.
Last year in June, the Department of Justice issued letters to organisations such as the National Association of Broadcasters, the Magazine Publishers of America and the Independent Press Association, asking them to warn members of the possible legal culpability should they advertise services for any online gambling sites. Since this date the DOJ’s stance has been widely reported and discussed, with events such as Google and Yahoo’s decision to comply to their wishes, and the seizing of funds from telecommunications group Discovery, bearing testament to the perceived threat by publishers and broadcasters.
Casino City is now attempting to fight against this stance, in order to defend its right to advertise such services- and in doing so protect a strong source of revenue for the company. Company CEO Michael Corfman released the following statement to accompany the announcement of this suit: 'The public has the right to see the wealth of information we provide on casinos and sportsbooks, and we have the First Amendment right to advertise online gaming on the web to support its free publication.'
“Casino City believes the actions taken by the Department of Justice are wrong, and that they threaten our freedom of speech in violation of the First Amendment of the United States constitution. We also believe that matters of law such as this are properly decided by the courts, and not by government administrators interpreting laws in a way that many experts claim is flawed.
Consequently, we have today asked the courts to determine our rights, and those of others similarly situated, under the United States Constitution.”
