U.S. LAND CASINO GROUP SPENDS SIGNIFICANTLY ON LOBBYING

24 August 2007

American Gambling Association discloses $900 000 budget for lobbying

The American Gaming Association, which represents the commercial land casino industry in the United States, spent $900 000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form.

Associated Press news service reports that the trade group lobbied on online gambling, tax legislation affecting casinos and other matters, according to the form posted online Friday by the Senate's public records office.

In addition to Congress, the group lobbied the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service.

Major public companies such as 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.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

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