New trade group will push to legalize online gambling in U.S.

United Kingdom online gaming websites PKR and Sportingbet are among the founding members of a new trade association that will advocate for the legalization and regulation of online gaming in the United States.

The companies along with Secured American Games were the first to pledge financial and technical support for the newly created U.S. Online Gaming Association.

Melanie Brenner, the former executive director of the Poker Voters of America lobbying group, was named as the association's president and executive director.

A Feb. 14 deadline has been set for companies to commit financial support and become members of the new trade association.