Florida lobbyists spend most
Posted by Carl Barnett on 23 Feb 2010 at 09:02
For many years an accepted part of gambling history, current lobbying by US companies wanting to sway the decisions of lawmakers is reaching new heights. 2009 was a year that saw the highest amount of spending on record by various casino concerns, who want US lawmakers to allow their casinos to be built, or to help with protecting them from competition.
In Florida, reports filed with the state confirmed that companies spent $5 million in 2009 as part of their lobbying activities.
The Mardi Gras casino led the pack when it came to spending, investing $600,000 in lobbying activities by the end of the year.
The other concerns that spent a lot of money to try and convince Florida lawmakers to allow development include Isle of Capri, who spent $410,000 in 2009. Marc Dunbar, a professor of Gaming Law at FSU College of Law, told Casino Gambling Web: ‘I expect these numbers to be surpassed in 2010 when the Florida legislature reconvenes in March with the same issues returning to the Florida legislature and destination casinos being added to the agenda.’
The US casino industry has been hit hard by a recession, and the growth of online casinos and gaming concerns.
