PR Web Bans Online Gaming Press Releases
In the US, laws against online gambling, including playing online poker and online slots, have had several unintended consequences. In a few states the unpopular and ill thought out Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which bans financial institutions from processing transactions related to online gambling, involving such games as online poker, blackjack, and slot games, has blocked the online sale of state lottery tickets.
In the state of Washington, the legislature has made online gambling a class C ‘felony.’ It was later reported that sponsors received campaign contributions from Indian casinos that have a stake in keeping online gambling illegal. In an astounding act of hubris the Washington State Online Gambling Commission has sent a cease and desist letter to the press release distribution company PR Web ordering them to reject press releases from online gaming companies.
PR Web is a popular online press release distribution service that allows the use of anchor text links and Search Engine Marketing campaigns which are valuable to internet marketers. Well written press releases routinely get picked up by search engine giants Google and Yahoo using PR Web and the loss of their services will be a great loss for online gaming marketers.
Cari Lyle, PRWeb’s East Coast Manager of Editorial Services stated, “I apologize for the abrupt notice. This was not a decision that PRWeb willingly made. We received a Cease and Desist letter from the Washington State Online Gambling Commission requiring that we immediately halt the distribution of press releases promoting online gambling sites and content. As PRWeb is located in Washington State, we are required to be in compliance with Washington State laws.” The services of PR Web will be sorely missed by internet gaming marketers.
