## The High Rollers’ Game: Wagering on Pennsylvania Avenue
With the US presidential race gaining momentum, the gaming sector is laying down its wagers, and its sway is undeniable. The initial Democratic debate unfolding at the Wynn Las Vegas, a property of casino tycoon Steve Wynn, might raise a few eyebrows. Indeed, Wynn hasn’t been hesitant to critique President Obama’s governing. But given the deep entanglement of gaming funds with the 2016 election, perhaps a Vegas mega-resort is the ideal setting for this political spectacle.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is going all in, promoting its own platform in this election cycle. Their “Gaming Votes” campaign seeks to remind each contender – and every casino employee – of the sheer might wielded by the gaming industry, particularly regarding employment and financial matters. AGA chief Geoff Freeman wants every candidate to grasp: backing casinos equates to backing the nation.
He deemed Nevada a “pivotal battleground state” and stressed that hopefuls “must grasp the contemporary gambling sector, a $53 billion industry offering roughly 425,000 positions in Nevada and yielding nearly $8 billion in revenue.” The correspondence recommended recipients interact with Nevada’s chosen representatives, frequent casinos or suppliers, and converse with individuals benefiting directly from the sector.
Furthermore, the concentration extends beyond Nevada. Previous October, the American Gaming Association escorted Senator Cory Gardner, Congressman Scott Tipton, business and civic leaders from the Denver vicinity, and testing engineers to Gaming Laboratories International’s central office in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for a facility walkthrough and a collaborative dialogue. “We are no longer your ancestor’s gaming sector, but a nationwide economic engine providing well-compensated occupations across the spectrum in Colorado,” stated Freeman. “While most Coloradans might not patronize a casino daily, the industry makes substantial contributions to the state and its inhabitants in education, tourism, and beyond.”
**Throughout the Election Circuit**
As we explore the particular gaming topics, dialogues, and allusions that have surfaced in the presidential race so far, we find our concentration pulled primarily toward the Republican faction. During the second Republican debate in Simi Valley, California, contenders Jeb Bush and Donald Trump participated in a contentious back-and-forth concerning the latter’s purported aspiration to introduce casino gaming to Florida.
A fiery clash unfolded on live television, with snippets of the argument endlessly repeated on news broadcasts.
“He attempted to establish gambling venues in Florida…” Bush alleged.
“I did not—” Trump shot back.
“Indeed, you did.”
“Completely untrue.”
“You desired it, and you were unsuccessful because I was against—”
“I would have succeeded.”
“—gaming establishments before, during, and after—”
“I assure you, I would have attained it.”
“—I am not accepting funds from anyone.”
“I guarantee, if I had wanted it, I would have achieved it.”
Therefore, what is the actual account? Politifact.com, a website dedicated to verifying facts, determined: “We uncovered no proof that Trump directly petitioned the state for gambling, but ample evidence exists that Trump was pursuing an agreement to manage gambling venues on Seminole Tribe territory in Florida. Furthermore, Trump donated to Bush and the state Republican Party during Bush’s 1998 campaign for governor.”
Both individuals were assertive in that altercation, presenting their perspectives and upholding their stances. However, another contender, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, was considerably less open at the subsequent debate, overseen by the University of Colorado, when a moderator brought up the regulatory standing of daily fantasy sports. Christie, who has been endeavoring to overturn a federal prohibition on land-based sports wagering in New Jersey, remarked regarding the classification of DFS: “Are we truly going to have the government entangled in fantasy football? Hold on a moment.”
The nation is facing significant challenges, my friends. A massive nineteen trillion dollar deficit, citizens struggling with unemployment, threats from organizations like ISIS and Al Qaeda, and our focus is on a game like fantasy football? Can we prioritize for a moment? If people find enjoyment in it, let them participate, why should it matter?”
As the race for the Republican presidential nomination intensifies, a parallel competition unfolds behind closed doors: the pursuit of billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson’s wealth. This influential figure, leading the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, reportedly invested approximately $150 million in the 2012 election, with Romney and Gingrich receiving substantial sums of $30 million and $15 million respectively. Conjecture abounds regarding Adelson’s chosen candidate this time, with recent indications pointing towards Marco Rubio as the potential beneficiary of his generosity.
Republican contenders are seemingly going to great lengths to win Adelson’s favor, aiming to secure not only the nomination but also the support of his considerable financial resources. Rubio is said to be among the most proactive, even consulting with Adelson on matters of policy. This, combined with his position on issues of importance to Adelson, such as prohibiting internet gambling – Rubio co-sponsored the RAWA bill against online gaming – makes him a strong contender for Adelson’s financial endorsement.
The U.S. gaming sector didn’t unilaterally determine the outcome of the 2016 Presidential race. Although casino magnate Sheldon Adelson probably exerted influence within the GOP, even he rejected the notion of a gaming industry coup. Nevertheless, minimizing the influence of gambling would be erroneous. Adelson’s fortune played a part, naturally, but the American Gaming Association also ensured everyone understood the financial repercussions of casinos. Moreover, particular gambling-centric matters kept surfacing throughout the campaign, and they weren’t disappearing in the near future. Indeed, one could argue gambling held a prominent position: the final presidential debate before the election took place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas—a mere stone’s throw from the Las Vegas Strip.
### What are the candidates’ stances on gambling?
Let’s examine some of the candidates and their viewpoints:
**Hillary Clinton (Democrat)**
In 1984, as Arkansas’ First Lady, Clinton traveled the state, campaigning against the establishment of casinos. Jump ahead to 2000, and she’s supporting proposals for casinos in the Catskills and Niagara Falls. Her position on the latter? “If Niagara thinks a casino will assist them in drawing more visitors to what was once one of America’s tourist attractions, I’m in favor of it.” By 2006, Clinton cast her vote for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, but in 2008, she indicated a willingness to explore the possibility of regulating internet gambling.
**Bernie Sanders (Democrat)**
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In 2006, Senator Sanders not only expressed his backing for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) but also voted for a proposed change (which did not succeed) intended to outlaw all online wagering, eliminating specific exceptions for skill-based games.
Senator Rubio (Republican) co-authored the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA), legislation designed to prohibit internet betting. He has mentioned his “extensive history of opposing the growth of gambling” and holds the belief that internet gambling is primarily “a levy on low-income individuals and does not contribute to economic expansion.” However, he later acknowledged that the element of expertise involved in online poker “sets it apart.” In 2009, he characterized attempts to broaden gambling in Florida as an irresponsible “mirage.”
Donald Trump (Republican) established Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts but has not been directly engaged in the company’s management (now known as Trump Entertainment Resorts) since 2009, although he purportedly obtains stock in return for the ongoing utilization of his name. The corporation previously held ownership of three Atlantic City casinos, with Trump Plaza shutting down in 2014, Trump Taj Mahal remaining operational, and Trump Marina now operating as the Landry’s-owned Golden Nugget Atlantic City. In 2004, Trump acquired a 10% share in the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas but divested it after a mere nine months.
*This piece was initially published in the January/February edition of Global Gaming Business Magazine.*
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