The state of Nevada was one of the first to offer online gaming in the United States after the Department of Justice ruled the Wire Act of 1961 to not include poker and casino gaming online. Nevada offers only poker gaming online, with operators working in conjunction with land based casinos to offer the online gaming. Nevada has offered the activity for some time and it has come as a complete shock that now, the state Attorney General has decided he is in favor of anti-online poker legislation.
The Restoration of America’s Wire Act, legislation supported by Las Vegas Sands Sheldon Adelson, is a threat to the online gaming industry as a whole. The measure, if passed, would disintegrate the industry across the US. Any state that offers online gaming would not be able to provide casino or poker games. States that do not have a legalized industry but are looking into legislation would not be able to move forward. Adelson has spent a ton of money to try and push his agenda on to others and Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt seems to have joined the band wagon.
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval quickly stated his opinion on the AG’s turn around, stating that the gaming industry is changing and for Nevada to stay in competition they must enact policies to meet the changes and demands needed for the younger audience. He is not in favor of Laxalt’s ideas and has stated that he does not feel comfortable with an AG in place that has an opinion that is the exact opposite to the laws of the state.
A.G. Burnett, the Chairman of the state Gaming Control Board, was also disappointed in Laxalt stating he was going to show support for Adelson’s measure, stating that he is concerned that if online gaming were not licensed and regulated, offshore operators would gain the business and illegal and unregulated online gaming would take place.
Laxalt just earned the position a few weeks ago and has never held a public office before. He defeated Ross Miller, the Nevada Secretary of State, and was able to win the vote after having support from Sheldon Adelson with his campaign ‘Stop Miller Now’. The problem with Sheldon Adelson is that he has deep pockets. Individuals who are running for office or already hold a position of power seem to be easily swayed when Adelson throws money their way.
After the interview with Laxalt when he revealed his support for RAWA, the Ralston Report continued to show additional information on the subject. Laxalt told the Ralston Report how he felt and others are now speaking up. Steve Wynn spoke with Ralston stating that he believes online gaming is not good for Nevada, seeming to have the same position as the AG.
Attorneys General from across the United States are trying to gain signatures in support of RAWA. Many feel that Laxalt will sign on as well, which would be totally against the blossoming industry of online poker gaming in the state of Nevada. Jim Murren, the CEO of MGM, stated in an interview a few days ago that the legislation to restore the wire act would set back the state of Nevada by 30 years. He is hoping that the attorney general, Laxalt, will not sign on in support as that would literally be stating that he is against the gaming industry of Nevada, jobs and social media. It will be interesting to see if Laxalt changes his tune after the major backlash or if he will continue to show support for Sheldon Adelson, becoming part of the anti-online gaming movement.
