The American Gaming Association spent USD 400,000 over the third quarter of 2008 to lobby for legislation that would legalize and regulate online gambling along with other matters.

According to a piece in the Boston Globe, the group’s most recent disclosure report showed that it lobbied The White House, the Department of Interior, the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service and Congress from July to September.

The Association’s quarterly report was filed on October 16 with the United States House of Representatives’ Office of the Clerk and showed that it had also lobbied on tax legislation affecting casino gambling and patrons including Hurricane Katrina tax bills and employee tip tax compliance.

In addition, the Association contacted the Federal Government regarding bills that would create a non-profit corporation to promote travel to the United States.

The group opened its office in Washington, DC, in June of 1995 with the goal of creating a better understanding of the gaming entertainment industry by bringing facts about the sector to the general public, elected officials and other decision makers through education and advocacy.

Its members include heavyweights such as MGM Mirage, Harrah’s Entertainmant Incorporated, Wynn Resorts Limited and Bally Technologies Incorporated alongside other casino operators and gambling equipment companies.