PKR and Sportingbet have joined forces in creating the US Online Gaming Association. The group seeks “to advocate for the legalization and regulation of online gaming in the States.”
Leading the organization is Melanie Brenner, former executive director of the Poker Voters of America (PVoA). The PVoA is similar to the Poker Player’s Alliance (PPA); both groups lobby congress to regulate and legalize internet poker.
“With the failure of a federal solution to this issue, the opening of the lucrative US market will be through state capitols such as Tallahassee, Sacramento and Trenton. The work we have done through Poker Voters has uniquely positioned us to be the most effective voice in moving this issue,” Brenner stated.
PKR CEO Mark Graham also chimed in.
“I think it is important the industry, which will be supporting local operators from this side of the pond, to have a collective voice and a consistent message. Bringing everyone under the umbrella of the US Online Gaming Association is a sensible way forward, in the way the Remote Gaming Association and European Gaming and Betting Association have been great models on the European front, presenting a common front to local legislators and local operators and helping make them more comfortable with managing the process. If the industry has an inconsistent message I think that will be so much harder.”
The US Online Gaming Association is still seeking other organizations to join the fight. It will be interesting to see what other companies join the fray.