More U.S. Gambling Lobbying Revelations

Published: Friday, September 28, 2007 Online-Casinos.com

MORE LOBBYING REVELATIONS

AGA paid $100 000 for lobbying on online gambling

A US federal law enacted in 1995 continues to furnish industry observers with interesting information on who is lobbying who and for how much.

The law requires political lobbyists to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. These must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying, and from time to time the disclosures reveal fascinating insights into the interests of influential groups.

This week, for example it revealed that the American Gaming Association, which represents the land casino industry in the United States, paid Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock $100 000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form reported by Associated Press.

The firm lobbied Congress on online gambling issues, the online submission discloses, although it did not reveal details or the objective of the lobbying. In addition to lawmakers, the firm apparently lobbied the Treasury Department and the White House.

In more recent times the AGA has adopted a public position on Internet gambling which calls for a thorough study of the industry, particularly regarding advances in technology which make the exclusion of underage or problem gamblers more effective.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Bally Technologies Inc. and MGM Mirage are among the more than 50 companies and groups that are members of the association, AP reports.

Also among those registered to lobby for the trade group was Aleix Jarvis, former legislative director for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.