Big Opposition to Nevada Online Gambling Bill

As expected, some pretty big opposition has stepped forward to try and defeat the Nevada online gambling bill that is now trying to make its way through the Nevada Congress. Some of the biggest and most powerful casino companies have lined up against the bill which now looks to go in the direction of all the other recent attempts, defeated or just loss in debate.

MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corp. have come out against the proposal. It is not that they are against online gambling but they want a federal law in place over individual state laws. According to Alan Feldman, spokesman for MGM Resorts International,

“I think everyone’s objective should be to get the proper bill passed, and to do so federally,” he said. “The business model ought to be following sound public policy, and (the Nevada bill) is actually a pretty good model of getting a business model way far ahead of anyone’s policy.”

So far the American Gaming Association who is the largest casino industry trade group, has not committed on the bill or where it stands for or against it.

Caesars Entertainment Corp. however, just like in New Jersey, has not been so quiet. Jan Jones, Caesars’ senior vice president for communications and public relations has stated,

“This is not a bill that we support. Our focus is not intrastate, our focus is interstate. It’s federal, it’s putting together an American, an appropriate regulation and licensing regime and taking the jobs and revenues going to foreign companies and bringing it back to America.”

“That’s been our position in every state, and it’s our position in Nevada as well,” she said. “Internet, by its nature, is an interstate activity, and the rules should be crafted appropriately.”

Now the question becomes is not having the backing of some of the major casino companied enough to stop this bill? It appears the opposition in N.J. from Caesars could have stopped their attempt but the fact the big casinos want a federal bill is not enough to sway the Federal Government towards online gambling. So here we go again, online gamblers stuck in the middle of politics and big money.

Author: GamesAndCasino