Casino Chiefs Talk about Industry Vulnerability | Gaming News

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Two casino executives say they know U.S. gambling companies are vulnerable to overseas Internet poker operators.

And while the heads of Las Vegas-based casino companies MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Corp. agreed with several other industry executives Wednesday that the growth of online poker and casino games is inevitable, they differed on whether state or federal regulation is best.

Las Vegas Sands chief executive Michael Leven said during a keynote panel discussion at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas that he and company magnate Sheldon Adelson don't want another layer of federal regulation. Leven says states can make the rules.

MGM Resorts chief Jim Murren says the federal government should adopt regulations to protect U.S. customers.

U.S. laws currently prohibit Internet gambling across state lines.