Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. isn’t betting on Congress’ chances of passing a Federal online gaming bill in 2012. That was the gist of the chief executive of the American Gaming Association’s remarks to industry leaders at the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas this week.
In his address, Fahrenkopf said that the Feds weren’t likely to pass anything at all before the November elections, leaving the lame duck session in December as the final shot for igaming regulation.
Despite his predictions for upcoming regulation, Fahrenkopf was bullish on the prospect of legal online gaming in the US, saying:
No matter what Congress does, based on the growth trends … and the actions of the various states, it’s no longer a matter of if online gambling will be legalized in the U.S., but when, where and how.
Fahrenkopf, like many who represent the larger gaming companies, said that a patchwork of state regulations would make keeping tabs on the US igaming industry difficult.
He also acknowledged that online gaming’s rise is inevitable and poses a serious threat to land based casino revenues.
Do you think the Feds will pass an online gaming bill anytime soon? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.