Harrah’s leads list of online poker lobbyist spenders

So far in 2010, more than $5 million has been spent on online gambling lobbying, which is interesting considering the UIGEA is set to officially kick in on June 1.

Topping that list, according to a recent report (thanks to Pokerati for organizing this into a coherent post), Harrah’s has spent $1.2 million, followed by the Poker Player’s Alliance ($785,000), the UC Group ($717,000) — which is a voice for European payment processors — and others.

Considering Harrah’s hired former Party Gaming CEO Mitch Garber in April, 2009, it only makes sense that they would be leading the charge locally to regulate online gaming. Harrah’s could see huge returns if and when the World Series of Poker launches a U.S.-based online gambling business.

For more on the online poker lobbying pie, click here.