Adelson Lobbying For Gambling Expansion In Florida Through Gingrich

Sheldon Adelson has one of the most successful gaming companies in the world, Las Vegas Sands. The company has been expanding all over the world in recent years, but the place that Adelson really wants gaming expansion is in the Sunshine State. Adelson has been lobbying for several years to bring major casino resorts to South Florida.

Over the past month, Adelson has found possibly the best way to campaign for that type of expansion in Florida. Adelson's and his wife have pumped $10 million into the presidential campaign of Newt Gingrich. Over the past month, Gingrich has been making up ground on Republican front-runner Mitt Romney, even beating Romney in the South Carolina primary.

Florida is the next major state where a primary will be held, and it comes as no surprise to gaming analysts that Adelson has chosen now to make his biggest political donation in the race.

"It was a very strategic move by Adelson," said Steve Schwartz. "By infusing funds into the Gingrich campaign before the Florida primary, he ensured that his name would be prominently displayed in the media throughout the process. That name recognition could help him in the future as he moves forward with his plan for a new casino in Florida."

Adelson has been joined in his lobbying efforts by Steve Wynn, CEO of Wynn Resorts, and Genting. The Malaysian gaming company has already purchased the Miami Herald building, and has shown the blueprints for a Resorts World Miami. The resort will be equipped with space on the second floor for a casino.

The Florida Legislature has several bills that have been proposed in recent months that would allow casino resorts. The main sticking point for the state may be their compact with the Seminole Indians. If lawmakers pass the casino resort gaming bills, it would void the compact. The Seminoles would also be allowed to offer any games legal in the state, without having to pay taxes to Florida.

Adelson has been a longtime friend of Gingrich, and the money that Adelson provided to a political committee helped Gingrich launch the ads attacking Romney before the South Carolina primary. The infusion of an additional $10 million will ensure that Gingrich again has the bankroll necessary to continue with the aggressive ad campaign in the Sunshine State.

January 27, 2012
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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