Now that talks of online casinos being legalized are in the air, various Internet gambling companies are taking a rather bold step with the US Department of Justice; the face of opposition in the United States.  Leisure and Gaming plc is one of many companies requesting that before online casinos are regulated and legalized the Department of Justice repair some of the damage caused to gambling companies by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

Like many companies and online casinos, the sudden exit from the United States market forced by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act caused significant losses to Leisure and Gaming.  The company operates out of Europe but prior to 2006, the main focus of the company was to service the United States.

“We actually sustained a cash loss on our US activities because the price paid for VIP at float was a lot higher than it sold for after UIGEA passed,” said Richard Creed, CEO of Leisure and Gaming. 

“So we are in a very different situation to other former US-facing operators.”

Creed is optimistic about the talks but there is a lot of uncertainty.  Ever since his company left the United States market they have had very little communication with the United States government. According to Creed, if the negotiations are successful with the Department of Justice his plan is to take part in industry consolidation. 

“I am here to build up the company, to assess any offers that come in for L&G or acquire other companies if the right opportunity occurs,” explained Creed.