GOP Platform on Internet Gambling May Have Been Influenced by Sheldon Adelson

Some in the gambling sector have begun to speculate that GOP political donor extraordinaire, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, may have had a degree of influence as it relates to the newly released Republican platform from last week – You know the one, it espouses family values and how legalizing Internet gambling will lead to the destruction of such values. 

Adelson remains the only dissenting voice in Vegas when it comes to legalizing online poker.  He claims to be against the activity on “moral grounds”. 

Billionaire Adelson, of course, is among the biggest donors to the Republican party so it may not have come as a huge surprise that they would employ “Web gambling prohibition” as part of their platform.

Phil Hevener of Gaming Today:

Adelson has previously cited Internet gaming’s likely impact on social issues as the reason for his opposition. But it is probably also true he would just as soon have deep-pocketed consumers in search of a gaming and entertainment experience show up at his hotels and casinos rather than sit hunched over a computer keyboard in the privacy of their homes.

In the end, it may not matter much as states forge ahead with legalization.  Two Republican Governors, Brian Sandoval of Nevada and Chris Christie of New Jersey, support legalized online gambling in their respective states.  Sandoval has already signed into law a measure that would allow for “real money” Web poker within Nevada’s borders while the Silver State would ultimately become a hub of the industry should federal legislation be passed.

South Point Casino owner, Michael Gaughan, whose company became the first to obtain a license to run a “real money” Internet poker room, tells Gaming Today that “train has already left the station”. 

“The feds have missed the chance to make a difference. A lot of states are anxious to do their own thing.”

- Ace King, Gambling911.com