August 11, 2005

from Norwich Bulletin

MASHANTUCKET-- Foxwoods officials will have to wait one more day to learn if they can put their PlayAway online keno game on the Internet

The Division of Special Revenue was scheduled to announce a decision Wednesday but has delayed its statement until today

The game was online briefly last month before the special revenue issued a cease and desist order while it examined the legality of the online gaming concept.

Special Revenue must approve all new gaming in the state. Teamed with Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the agency last week required the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Commission provide detailed response to 24 questions.

Under federal law, online gambling operations are illegal in the United States. State officials say the game's interface appears similar to online gambling Web sites that are based off-shore. No gambling takes place online with PlayAway.

Patrons complete betting and winnings transactions on-site at Foxwoods. However, gamblers can go online while away from the reservation and play games similar to poker or blackjack before their keno numbers are revealed.

Foxwoods officials said they will launch PlayAway Aug. 15, if the state allows the game to proceed.