Poker Players Call for Boycott The Venetian Hotel, Casino and Other Sheldon Adelson Properties

Following word last week that Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman Sheldon Adelson announced he is opposed to current legislation that would allow for regulated online poker in the United States, some in the poker playing community have called for an all-out boycott of Adelson’s casino properties, including the famed Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip.

"Since Sheldon Adelson is lobbying against Internet poker, I will no longer play at The Venetian poker room," a player wrote on the TwoPlusTwo.com message board. "I suggest if you care about the issue, that you also boycott the room."

Adelson is among the most influential casino operators in Washington, DC, donating heavily to the Republican party.  In the past, he has expressed concerns over the legalization of online poker in the States while saying he had no plans to actively try and block efforts in Washington.   Supporters of online poker legislation worry that Adelson could influence key Republicans to block any measures that come before the House or Senate. 

While the 78-year-old billionaire cited “moral grounds” for his opposition, it should be noted that Las Vegas Sands relies very little on Las Vegas but rather Singapore and Macau, which accounted for 80 percent of the company’s last quarterly revenues. 

Las Vegas Sands Corp. representatives were quick to note that Adelson’s views were “personal” and that the casino company had not yet adapted a plan for legalized Web poker. 

A “Boycott the Venetian” thread appearing on the TwoPlusTwo.com posting forum was approaching nearly 4000 views late Monday evening.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com