Recently, the Nevada Gaming Control Board told casinos within the state not to get involved in the online gambling market. The regulatory authority of the state of Nevada warned casinos – especially those in Las Vegas – to not get involved in online gambling until it is legalized and regulated by the federal government or the state of Nevada.

Harrah’s Entertainment had already signed a deal with 888.com to open an online version of their casino. The casino is based overseas and does not allow American customers. By Harrah’s understanding, that makes them exempt from control by the feds or the NGCB. The NGCB, however, promised to look into the matter.

Now Harrah’s has stepped up their game. In an effort to push online gambling legislation through, the casino has spent more than $1 million already this year on lobbying. Now they are upping the ante, adding lobby group the Capitol Counsel to their current lobbyists the Podesta Group and Brownstein Hyatt.

If online gambling becomes legal in Nevada, Harrah’s is in a unique position to take advantage and immediately become the leader in the market. Harrah’s biggest claim to fame at this point is hosting the annual World Series of Poker. A tie-in with their online casino would surely be a big money-maker.

While some Vegas casinos oppose online gambling and others only want to be a part if there is a repeal of the federal UIGEA, Harrah’s is more than happy to establish the market if it is legalized in either Nevada or the entire country. In the meantime, they are happily serving overseas customers.