Led by Harrah’s Entertainment, supporters, detractors and observers spent $3.65 million over the third quarter of last year lobbying the Federal Government.
Wednesday 3rd February 2010
New research released this week has found that supporters, opponents and observers of online gambling spent an estimated $3.65 million lobbying the United States government over the third quarter of 2009.
According to the new Internet Gambling Federal Lobbying Report from BolaVerde Media Group (BVMG), this figure represented a 50 percent increase from the $2.41 million spent a year ago and was led by Harrah's Entertainment Incorporated, UC Group Limited and the Interactive Gaming Council.
“We now know that regulated Internet gambling in the United States is inevitable and we have a good feel for who the big players will be in this emerging market,” said Mark Balestra, Managing Director for BVMG.
“But, it's telling to see which ones are getting involved in Washington. We expect the trend of increased lobbying spend to continue this year and for new contributors to enter the mix.”
Between them, Harrah's, UC Group and the Interactive Gaming Council spent an estimated $2.04 million, which worked out at 55.9 percent of the total, lobbying in favour of Internet gambling.
“An assessment of lottery spend also lends insight into what the regulatory model will look like and who stands to benefit,” said Balestra.
“Anyone who is plotting market entry in the United States should take notice of who is influencing the process.”
