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One of the most ardent critics of the online gambling industry, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, has died suddenly at the age of 71.
Graham, a Republican and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.
The statement posted on social media late Saturday did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer, and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Some local South Carolina news outlets have reported the death was caused by cardiac arrest based on dispatch audio obtained.
Graham was one of the most influential figures in Washington on foreign policy, and he advised Trump on matters such as Iran and Russia.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump posted on social media early Sunday. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”
Worked Tirelessly to Abolish Online Gambling
During the early 2010's, Graham proposed a bill seeking to outlaw all forms of online gambling.
Graham’s bill at the time complimented efforts by GOP mega donor and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson to halt state-by-state legalization of Web gambling while preventing the activity at the federal level. Politico.com noted that Adelson cut checks for $15,600 in campaign contributions to Graham in 2013.
Graham would ultimately introduce the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, which failed to gain much traction in the Senate.
Years later, in 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for states to legalize most forms of online sports betting and gambling.
In January 2019—eight months after PASPA was overturned—he welcomed a Justice Department opinion that attempted to broaden the Wire Act’s application against online gambling. Graham said restricting internet gambling would protect children and vulnerable people and hinder criminal activity.
Following news of Graham's passing, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said “my heart is heavy this morning to learn the passing of my friend and colleague.”
Thune said Graham was “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
