MGM, AGA Strike Back At Anti-Online Gambling TalksNew Coalition Determined To Fight Against Federal Ban |
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Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson and his Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, have already drafted a federal bill hoping to put a stop to the states’ efforts at online gaming regulation, but a new coalition, backed by MGM Resorts International and the American Gaming Association, hopes to strike back.
The Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection, based in Washington D.C., is dedicated to fighting any proposed ban on internet wagering. The group is led by MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren, and ironically, also features Las Vegas Sands President Michael Leven as a board member.
“This new entity is dedicated to creating a regulated Internet gaming marketplace and preventing a federal ban of online gaming,” said AGA CEO Geoff Freeman. “The coalition will operate exclusively at the federal level, encouraging Congress to embrace regulation as the best means to protect minors, detect money launderers and eliminate a dangerous black market.”
Adelson has gone on record saying that he is “willing to spend whatever it takes” to stop online gambling, even online poker, from expanding.
“A move to make all Internet gaming illegal is absurd on its face,” said MGM Resorts Senior Vice President Alan Feldman. “That would remove all law enforcement oversight and permit the unregulated black market operators the ability to grow.”
MGM Resorts has partnered with Bwin.party to bring online gaming to Nevada, but has not yet launched their online poker product. Caesars Entertainment, which operates WSOP.com in Nevada and New Jersey, is also reportedly part of the new coalition.
Domestically, just New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware have legalized online gambling. There has been the expectation that the three will eventually partner up. More states are expected to take a look at online poker in 2014.
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