Casino Jack

Jack Abramoff, known as Casino Jack, arguably had more of an impact on US online gambling policy than just about anyone.

Once referred to as the Super Lobbyist, Casino Jack developed a reputation for effectively helping shape Washington policy in the interests of his clients – for very, very hefty fees.  He represented a number of Native Tribes lobbying for Indian gaming rights – before defrauding  them of tens of millions of dollars.

He was hired by eLottery Inc back in 1999 to block Bob Goodlatte’s Internet Gambling Prohibition Act from passing in the Senate…which he did.  He is understood to have had a hand in the failure of subsequent Kyl and Goodlatte anti-online gambling bills.  Some industry commentators believe that UIGEA only passed because Casino Jack had other issues on his plate at the time (incarcerated on fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy charges in November 2006).

Like all good American villains, Jack’s story is now the subject of a Hollywood movie with Kevin Spacey playing Abramoff.

Might be worth a look.

As a postscript, Casino Jack is currently residing in a State assigned halfway house and delivering pizzas earning $7.50 an hour (plus tips).  In 2003 his fee to Gabon’s President for arranging a meeting with President Bush was $9 million.  Now that’s a pay cut!