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Minnesota may have bitten of more than they can chew when the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent a notice to 11 major Internet service providers and asked them to block nearly 200 online casinos and online gambling sites.

The motion was big enough to draw the attention of the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gambling Association.  After taking on Governor Steve Beshear in Kentucky and filing a law suit to contest the constitutionality of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the Internet gambling trade group iMEGA has sort of earned a reputation as champion of online casinos. 

In response to the blocking list in Minnesota, iMEGA has filed to sue John Willems, the director of the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  It is believed by iMEGA that the actions of Willems department violate the First Amendment.

Apparently, gambling at online casinos is illegal in Minnesota, despite that iMEGA still insists the state has no right to block the websites.  It is not against the law for Minnesota resident to visit the sites and browse through its content. 

The online casinos offer more than just gambling.  Residents should still have the right to visit online casinos and utilize their chat rooms and blog spots.  Online casinos also offer more than just real money gambling in the way of entertainment.  Most online casinos now allow players to play free casino style games purely for entertainment.  None of these services are against the law; therefore Minnesota has no right to completely block the sites.

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