If you thought that the “evil corporations” in the United States were the only folks pumping millions to lobbyists to influence government policies, think again. The UC Group, a payment services company based in the United Kingdom has spent upwards of $5.23 million lobbying to influence the powers that be to legalize online gambling in the United States. Finally after all of these years, the Brits are fighting for our independence! 

The amount of money pumped into lobbying for British interests is truly surprising when you consider the scary thought that non-citizens exert so much influence over folks hired and paid to represent American interests. Companies like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Anglo-American (a mining company) have spent over $3.5 million since September of last year alone! The numbers only go up for UK based companies lobbying for more controversial industries like online gambling, alcohol and tobacco.

“We are certain that our efforts will yield an open market for non-US based gaming operators” said Kobus Paulsen, UC Group’s CEO.

While lobbying for online gambling from overseas companies is legal, it does not come without its share of controversy. It is very possible that some of the money goes to curb criminal proceedings against illegal online gambling activity. Sportingbet, an online gambling firm, paid upwards of $60,000 last year for “settlement of potential criminal charges related to online gambling.”