Zynga Lobbies for Online Gambling

Zynga watched idly by as GameSys became the first developer to launch a real-money gambling application on Facebook. Despite Zynga’s years of experience running play-money casino games on the popular social network, the operator was passed over. Now, amidst rumours that the gaming developer is thinking of getting into the real-money poker market, Zynga is lobbying for online gambling legislation in the United States.
 
According to Gizmodo, Zynga has spent $75 000 on lobby efforts. The company has attempted to appeal to policy makers in California in hopes of convincing them that online gambling is the way for the future for the American gambling market.
 
Zynga is pushing its support of an online gambling bill that was recently introduced in California called: Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public-Private Partnership
Act of 2012. It would grant operators online gambling licenses in order to provide their services to state residents.
 
Zynga seems interested in this bill as it would present the company with a number of options for partners. Should Zynga strike up a deal with any licensed company, the developer has an instant in for the online gambling market. The bill was introduced at the beginning of the year but its progress was stalled; Zynga hopes that its lobbying efforts will be the push that lawmakers need to revive the bill.
 
This is just one of many efforts of online gaming operators to get involved in the American online gambling market. IGT, PlayTech and William Hill have all recently struck up deals with local companies, which would allow them access to the American online gambling world once legislation is passed. However, Zynga is taking it one step further. Rather than simply entering the market, Zynga is lobbying and taking an active role in potential online gambling legislation in America.

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