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#1
04-12-2005, 07:56 PM
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Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
Just wondering if any of you internet gambling policy wonks know. I know most of us that are Americans in here would love for internet gambling in the U.S. to be unambigously legal. Is there a lobby, or a PAC, or some sort of organized interests that express views friendly to legel intenet gambling in the U.S?
If not, why not? I'm not advocating we start one... but I have certainly seen dumber ideas floated in the zoo (I think). Or perhaps start supporting those interests that already exist (or maybe some of you *AHEM*Cubswins*GrannyMae*AHEM* do this already -- if indeed they do exist). 
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#2
04-12-2005, 08:36 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
[ QUOTE ]
Just wondering if any of you internet gambling policy wonks know. I know most of us that are Americans in here would love for internet gambling in the U.S. to be unambigously legal. Is there a lobby, or a PAC, or some sort of organized interests that express views friendly to legel intenet gambling in the U.S? If not, why not? I'm not advocating we start one... but I have certainly seen dumber ideas floated in the zoo (I think). Or perhaps start supporting those interests that already exist (or maybe some of you *AHEM*Cubswins*GrannyMae*AHEM* do this already -- if indeed they do exist). [/ QUOTE ] I bet Jack Abramoff would be happy to help you out for 200k or so. scrub
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#4
04-12-2005, 08:39 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
I've talked to Linda Johnson about this, and she told me that Party Poker spends a substantial amount of money on lobbyists.
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#5
04-12-2005, 09:08 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
Wow that is pretty weak: "Internet Gamblers for Internet Freedom." The site layout has dice and cards... why not throw in some scantally clad chicks and fully announce "hey, we're a buch of degenerates!"?
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#6
04-12-2005, 09:20 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
Is there a lobby, or a PAC, or some sort of organized interests that express views friendly to legel intenet gambling in the U.S?
The closest thing to an organized egaming lobby is the interactive gaming council. They represent over 100 gaming sites "to provide a forum for interested parties to address issues and advance common interests in the global interactive gaming industry, to establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services, and to serve as the industry’s public policy advocate and information clearinghouse." They have testified before house and senate committees in support of egaming. I believe most larger gaming sites also hire some of the larger, private lobbying firms to represent them here in DC. If not, why not? There are two major hurldes (and many smaller ones) in lobbying egaming in the US. First, gaming policy is made at both the federal and state level so it often difficult to know exactly where to apply pressure. This makes organizing an affective lobby that much harder. The second difficulty stems from the old olsonian free-rider problem. If you were a smallish profitable online casino why would you want to spend money on lobbying efforts when the big boys are footing the bill? There is no incentive for these smallish to middle of the road sized casinos to spend money lobbying when they can enojy the free ride. Also important to consider, why would a gaming site spend money when there product is already being delivered to the customer? The egaming funding bills on the federal level have been tossed around since 1995 and little progress has been made toward passing them (though it does make all of us get our panties in a bundle every years). Hope this helps a little... if you have any more questions fire away... cubs PS i am happily employed at one of the largest PACs in DC (i think its the 3rd largest at last count) but am always looking for new challenges.... so if anyone ever needs a consultant here i am...
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#8
04-12-2005, 09:31 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
Thanks for the thoughtful reply Cubswin.
Yeah, good ole Mancur Olson... still phuking things up after all these years! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] The free rider problem is exacerbated in out pluralist political system. But what can ya do? [ QUOTE ] Also important to consider, why would a gaming site spend money when there product is already being delivered to the customer? [/ QUOTE ] The promise of more customers. Let's face it: it's not tough to fund a Party account from Neteller, but it's not that easy either. Most people are not sure how to do it, and don't want to give thier checking acct number. If it became legal I assume it would be easy to fund online poker rooms via credit card. More recreational players! (Great for us, more rake, the world is a happier place.)
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#9
04-12-2005, 09:44 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
Sociology or poly sci major? [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Let's face it: it's not tough to fund a Party account from Neteller, but it's not that easy either. Most people are not sure how to do it, and don't want to give thier checking acct number. If it became legal I assume it would be easy to fund online poker rooms via credit card. More recreational players! I agree completely, but the small/medium guys still have very little incentive to contribute and a whole lot to gain from just sitting back and enjoying the ride. I dont think we will ever see a strong US lobby on the federal level unless something is done to make funding more difficult. In my opin, the best way to lobby for a vice product is to just sit back and make as little noise as possible as to not draw attention to yourself... and bring out the war chest when that big big issue comes up. It is also best to try to win small battles (North Dakota) then wage a war. PSAs are also a good way to discreetly lobby your product to the public (think harrah's), but i dont think you'll see the egaming sites using this method for obvious reasons... cubs
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#10
04-12-2005, 10:00 PM
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Re: Is there a pro intenet gambling lobby in the US?
[ QUOTE ]
In my opin, the best way to lobby for a vice product is to just sit back and make as little noise as possible as to not draw attention to yourself... and bring out the war chest when that big big issue comes up. [/ QUOTE ] Excellent point. Actually I am ABD in Political Science. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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