Q3 US online gambling lobbying up

The independent US research group BolaVerde Media reports that according to mandatory declarations made by lobbying companies in the third quarter of 2009, the amount of cash invested in this activity has soared 50 percent over Q3 2008.
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 BolaVerde report – well up on the $2.41 million recorded for the same period in 2008.
Principal lobbyists acted for firms like 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.

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