MGM CEO criticises DoJ’s Wire Act opinion

Top official at MGM Resorts International heavily criticised the US DoJ opinion on the Wire Act and claimed it threatens online gambling.

US.- The opinion of the US Department of Justice on the Wire Act, branding all types of interstate wagering illegal has been heavily criticised by MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO Jim Murren. The gambling giant official said it threatens the viability of online gambling, which is growing worldwide.

“This latest missive from the DOJ is perplexing,” Murren said during a company earnings call. “… So, it’s just, we think, an absurdly poorly written and unenforceable opinion, and I don’t think anyone in the industry, the gaming industry, the sports betting industry, feels any differently.”

Murren also blamed the fewer Las Vegas visitors during the Chinese New Year on the recent government shutdown. The drop caused the company to lose US$23.3 million during the fourth-quarter.

The company official also revealed his expectations for this quarter and anticipaded gambling revenues to be lower than in 2018. “We had a very high hold percentage last year, and we are not holding to that level right now, number one,” Murren said. “And secondly, there are a few players who just did not come to the United States, partly due to the government shutdown, some other logistical issues. We lost some groups to places like Sydney and London. So, we can thank our total government for that.”