Several months ago, the American Gaming Association (AGA) seemed to be one of the biggest proponents of online poker in the United States. However, back in May the powerful lobbying group chose to pull their support from US online poker, claiming that they had “no position” on the issue. The given reason was that they couldn’t get everybody on the same page regarding iGaming.
The AGA is a pretty large group, containing massive casino companies like Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Station Casinos and, most notably, Las Vegas Sands. Given that the latter is run by Sheldon Adelson – a staunch opponent of iGaming – it’s little surprise that all members of the AGA couldn’t come to an agreement. But did the rest of the group simply roll over due to Adelson’s pressure? Jeffrey Haas, Group Director of Poker at bwin.party, certainly thinks so.
Haas sees AGA’s non-stance as a betrayal
Nobody was more surprised at the AGA’s reversal on iGaming than Haas. The seventh most-powerful figure in poker, according to BLUFF Magazine, called the AGA’s decision to drop their support of iPoker “astonishing” and “disappointing.” Haas added, “We’ve been betrayed by the AGA…taking no position is the cheap and easy way out.” While the AGA is not technically against online poker, their refusal to support the activity has definitely been a blow to the efforts of Haas and others.
Obviously Haas isn’t happy with Adelson and Steve Wynn
Adelson and his buddy, Steve Wynn, have been the most vocal critics of online gaming. So it’s little surprise that Haas, who’s been very influential in the US iGaming movement, has questioned their positions.
“If disruption and innovation are so important, so critical to continued success, why is the Internet so dangerous?” He continued by telling BLUFF, “If they were really concerned as they say, they would work with the operators and regulators to bring about more controls.”
Haas also brought up the AGA again by asking, “Where is the pressure from the AGA?” Unfortunately, there will be no pressure from the Washington-based lobby group. But at least there are other interests like the Poker Players Alliance who will continue to fight for iPoker in America.