U.S. Gaming Lobby Does About Turn Re Online Gambling

Supporters of a legalized and regulated online gambling industry in the United States will welcome the news that the U.S. gaming industry's lobbying group has reversed its once neutral online gambling stance, as it now believes the technology exists to regulate the practice at a state and federal level.

Based in Washington DC, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has issued a statement saying that it is now open to the idea of legalized online gambling in the United States, provided that 'regulatory structure is in place to protect players and the game's integrity', which could be a sign that change is imminent.

That said, the ASA - which represents the majority of America's multi-billion dollar land casino operators and casino game manufacturers - has still not made its position clear regarding the many pro-online gambling bills doing the rounds in Congress, which need to be passed en route to legalizing online gambling.

Said AGA CEO, Frank Fahrenkopf Jr, 'If something were to start, then fundamentally this give us a seat at the table. The majority of our board now has a favourable stance regarding online gambling, as long as there is strong regulatory control. But that said, we're not endorsing any of the bills currently in the loop.'

Just a few years ago the ASA was 'indifferent' regarding the legalization and regulation of online gambling in the United States, and for obvious reasons. The highly popular and lucrative internet activity was seen as a direct threat to the U.S. land casino industry, which is why its support for legalization was withheld.