Casino companies may be commiserating over their earnings troubles, but they are squabbling like extended family at Thanksgiving dinner over the prospect of legalized Internet gambling.
After more than a decade of hit-and-miss efforts by individual casino companies and interest groups to develop lobbying strategies, the American Gaming Association - the industry's premier trade group - is rushing to clarify its position on Internet betting.
The new sense of urgency comes as a presidential administration that appears friendlier toward the prospect of legalized Internet gambling prepares to take office.
To present a unified front, members of the association have to work through at least three viewpoints. Some casino companies support federal regulation of Internet gambling. Other members want that authority to rest with the states, like the regulation of non-tribal casinos. Still others, fearing competition from land-based casinos with online outlets, oppose regulation that would open the door to new rivals.
The group's largest members, MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment and International Game Technology - which have been or are involved in Internet gambling ventures in countries where it's legal - support legalization.
