AGA hire big hitters for online gambling push
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has taken on some heavy hitters to ensure they are ready for the fight for online gambling in the US. Following on from our report that Sheldon Adelson has now commenced his own battle against online gambling with the launch of “the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling” the lines between the two have been drawn.
Geoff Freeman, the AGA’s president and chief executive, said bulking up in staff and consulting are part of his plan to create a more aggressive casino trade association that can operate outside of the Beltway.
“It’s part of a big shift that we are making. We are becoming a more proactive group that is working to define the image of the gaming industry. It’s less about legislation and more about defining the image of this industry, not in just Washington but in the states as well,” Freeman said.
The AGA have hired Jim Messina, President Obama’s campaign manager for his 2012 reelection bid. The trade group has hired the Messina Group to help with grassroots campaigns, including support of online gambling.
So Adelson and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) stands against online gambling and the Association that LVS belong to are in favour, how long before the announcement comes that LVS can no longer belong to an association that is completely opposed to his companies beliefs?
