As reported by the Financial Times, lobbyist Jack Abramoff received millions of dollars from UK firms to block anti-online gambling legislation. The demise of Abramoff, who earlier this year was convicted on corruption charges, opened the way for the passage last week of the bill the online gambling companies staunchly opposed.
The Independent reported that over the past six years, the American horse racing industry spent many million of dollars in political contributions and on entertainment for politicians, to ensure its exemption from the new internet betting laws.
In separate news, PartyGaming, 888 Holdings and Sportingbet have asked BDO Stoy Hayward, a mid-tier firm that audits the three companies, to avoid travelling to the US carrying any online gambling papers.
A law firm in Chicago confirmed that according to the aiding and abetting clause, advisers to internet gambling firms, such as lawyers, bankers and auditors, could be arrested by authorities when entering the US.
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