
Politics and gambling were front and center within the 2015 landscape. Hillary Clinton is the favourite to become the Democrat nominee for the 2016 election that is presidential and her stance on gaming remains a little murky.
Politics and gambling can be similar in theory. Both involve strategizing and calculating, taking odds into consideration, and determining how to continue in the best interest of an individual’s self.
In terms of politicians addressing the presssing issue of gambling, this issue becomes a bit more technical. Lawmakers understand that casinos bring the possibility for increased tax revenues that translate to additional monies that could fund state governments that are currently struggling to help make ends meet.
Republicans and Democrats seldom agree on anything in today’s divisive governmental climate, and when it comes to gambling, these hardened foes aren’t exactly certain where to face. Perhaps because online gaming, in particular, is neither liberal nor conservative, but a little of each, there isn’t any clear cut stance, irrespective of your party or viewpoint.
With all that in mind,we take a look back on this year that is past battles with politics and gambling, and what seems to lie ahead in 2016.
The Race for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
It is shaping up to be Hillary Clinton versus the still-uncertain GOP nominee next November. Whether it’s Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, Florida Senator Marco Rubio or another Republican candidate, a very important factor is almost for several, which is Clinton will be their opponent.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary’s past when it comes to gambling is really a bag that is rather mixed. Then-New York Senator Clinton voted in favor of the Internet that is unlawful Gambling Act (UIGEA) of 2006, a bill that essentially made online betting illegal.
However, 2 yrs later, Clinton said she was in favor of investigating how gambling that is online be properly regulated. The Democratic front runner hasn’t addressed the appearing concerns of daily fantasy sports (DFS) as of yet.
Donald Trump
The surprising GOP leader is unsurprisingly perhaps gambling’s bet that is best for expansion of casinos, both land-based and online. Being a casino that is former himself, the Donald is likely to do small or nothing to block any federal legislation that would restrict states’ rights from deciding their particular gaming rules.
Marco Rubio
Rubio has issued rather contrasting views on gambling. The first-term senator co-sponsored the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA) in 2015, a bill that would outlaw all forms of on the web gambling.
However, he also hinted this October that RAWA might need an amendment for Internet poker, because it has elements of ability, but he is remained steadfast against expanding gambling at land-based venues.
Dr. Ben Carson
The previous Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon has remained quiet regarding the issue of gambling, and since he has no political or gambling background, their record is vacant.
Speaker Paul Ryan
Though House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) isn’t an advocate for gambling or online casinos, he isn’t necessarily against the marketplace. The nine-term congressman opted not to vote on UIGEA in 2006 as well as selected never to sign RAWA despite the fact that 21 of his Republican colleagues did.
The one concern with Ryan among gambling supporters is the fact that he’s employed Dave Hoppe as his chief of staff. Hoppe is a Washington, DC, lobbyist that has worked on behalf of billionaire Sheldon Adelson.
Sheldon’s Crusade
No man ended up being more active in 2015 gambling that is political than billionaire and long-time GOP supporter Sheldon Adelson. The Las Vegas Sands chairman is no stranger to politics or Congress, and definitely knows what the expression ‘money talks’ is all about.
Worth roughly $30 billion, Sheldon’s made it his individual mission to ban online gambling enterprises through the use of his political clout among GOP lawmakers to push RAWA in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) obliged and introduced the bill to their particular chambers, though it’s generated little action. Don’t expect RAWA to magically disappear completely anytime quickly, the billionaire stating he’ll spend ‘whatever it takes’ to quit Internet gambling. But it does not appear to be threatening the shutdown of the three legal states, either.
2016 will be a year that is important only due to the impending presidential election, but in part because of the rise of day-to-day fantasy club player online casino contests. The return of PokerStars to New Jersey will even bring added attention to online gaming.
RAWA in 2015: The Long and Winding path That Led to Confusion and Contention
Year billionaire Sheldon Adelson is funding the RAWA journey, and though the legislation idled in 2015, the excursion will continue after the New. (Image: politico.com)
RAWA endured a long 2015 campaign when the legislation that aims to block all kinds of online gambling failed to get much momentum in Congress, despite several lawmakers advocating on its behalf.
Formally known as the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, RAWA was first introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives in March of 2014 by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).
The bill ended up being mostly overshadowed in Washington, DC, during its initial introduction as elected leaders inside the Beltway were focused on the so-called ‘cromnibus,’ a head-scratching emergency bill that finally funded the American federal government in 2015.
Graham and Chaffetz reportedly attempted to slide RAWA into the cromnibus package, but the bill fundamentally passed free of any gambling legislation.
RAWA’s defeat in 2014 didn’t hamper its proponents’ motivation for this season’s legislative calendar. Backed by billionaire Sheldon Adelson, the $30 billion nevada Sands owner whom desperately wants online casinos outlawed, Graham and Chaffetz as soon as again introduced the proposal to their chambers.
Chaffetz’s Hearing Help
Adhering to a February presentation of RAWA, Chaffetz used his sitting on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations to put up a formal hearing on the good qualities and cons of sending Internet betting into prohibition.
The committee invited five witnesses to testify, but it was evident right away the majority was in benefit of RAWA. University of Illinois Law Professor John Kindt even stole line directly from Adelson when he said, ‘Click your phone, lose your property … click your mouse, lose your house.’
What little coverage the RAWA hearing received was rather negative, media pundits determining the bias among the invitees. That led to Chaffetz eventually failing to gain much help from his home colleagues, RAWA basically being shelved within the aftermath.
Graham’s Bad Timing
Timing is everything, and Graham’s decision to re-enter RAWA to the Senate came at what was perhaps the absolute most time that is ill-advised sc politician might have chosen.
On the day before nine victims of the Charleston, sc, shooting were laid to rest, Graham quietly reintroduced RAWA.
Poker Players Alliance Executive Director John Pappas condemned the action saying, ‘I think I speak for most Americans when I express profound dissatisfaction in Senator Graham for choosing this time to advance a bill for the sole good thing about a billionaire political donor.’
Graham’s bill has sat quietly ever since, attracting more dust within the halls for the US Capitol than White House china that is fourth-tier.
The DFS Factor
RAWA is thought to have predominantly struggled in 2014 and much of the previous 12 months because the subject of online gambling simply wasn’t relevant enough for middle-of-the-road politicians to tackle. But which may have changed now, thanks to daily fantasy sports (DFS).
DFS had been outlawed by Nevada and New York, and numerous other states are currently thinking the legality of the contests. Should Congress intervene, that could theoretically open the floodgates for additional gaming that is anti-online.
In Memorium, Very Nearly
Finally, both a House Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) meeting on Dec. 9th and a failure (once once more) to include RAWA in an end-of-year spending bill implies that RAWA may live to see another day in 2016, but probably it’ll be gasping for breath and on a heart-lung machine that is adelson-funded.
The 2015 On The Web Gambling State-by-State Review: Lots of Talk, Not Much Action
On line gambling ended up being once again an active topic among state and federal lawmakers, so that as the discourse continues, billionaire Sheldon Adelson continues his efforts to fight it down. (Image: Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Online gambling earned plenty of floor time in state capitols around the world’s 50 states in 2015.
The motion ended up being fueled by a select few whom believe legalizing Internet betting could provide significant revenue increases for state tasks while also protecting citizens and adolescents from accessing rogue offshore sites. These legislators then persuaded colleagues to start an ear.
On the other hand regarding the issue ended up being powerful Las Vegas casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson funding political action committees and pressuring federal lawmakers to stop the market that is growing.
The dubious subject of ending online prohibition in 47 of the 50 states ended up being often discussed, but never managed to make it out from the park. Here is a state-by-state recap of exactly what happened over the final 12 months.
Who Did Exactly What
Ca: The Golden State would offer a boost that is beneficial on-line poker and Web gambling, but America’s most populated state idled regarding its passage in 2015. Several bills were introduced, nonetheless a complicated battlefield between lawmakers, Native Americans, and racetracks resulted in deadlock.
Pennsylvania: The Keystone State seems poised to become the state that is fourth legalized iGambling in 2016. Led by State Rep. John Payne (R-District 106), the Republican-controlled legislature might be required to legalize in purchase to combat Democrat Governor Tom Wolf’s increased investing.
Texas: The sun seems to be rising regarding online gambling in the state for which poker’s most popular game was named. In late October, the Texas lottery reached out to Delaware to learn more about its market. Congressman Joe Barton (R) has long been in favor of legalizing iPoker, and it seems to be momentum that is gaining.
Massachussetts: No state did more gambling that is regarding land-based casinos in 2015 than Massachusetts. The Plainridge Park Casino opened in and the MGM Springfield and Wynn Everett are under construction june. But on line gambling stays a no-go for now.
New Hampshire: In April, state lawmakers greatly shot down yet another bill to authorize casinos that are land-based. iPoker fans in the ‘Live Free or Die’ state have little to be worked up about, charitable poker games even drawing scrutiny in 2015.
Wisconsin: Badgers will continue waiting to try out poker outside a Wisconsin judge upholding the state’s poker ban by citing a 1964 ruling.
Michigan: The Spartan State has a history that is long of gambling, but that is not the case with online casinos. A Michigan State University study found that the continuing state would benefit from legalizing the industry, but lawmakers have been weary to proceed.
Nevada and Delaware: Two states that legalized on the web gaming before 2015, Nevada and Delaware attempted to breathe life into their struggling iPoker sites by formally introducing an interstate lightweight. The pact hasn’t solved the nagging problems of player liquidity as hoped, however.
Florida: The Sunshine State is definitely targeted by commercial casino operators for its population that is high of, but elected leaders have repeatedly knocked straight down efforts to lessen the monopoly on gaming native tribes have. On line gambling appears to be an even longer shot for passage.
September New Jersey: The only other state with Nevada and Delaware to offer legal and regulated online gaming, New Jersey has its market positioned for a monstrous 2016 after it granted PokerStars an operating license in late. The Garden State is also wanting to legalize traditional sports betting, a lawsuit set to be heard in February of next year.
Brand New York: The Empire State was running towards its own authorization of online gambling in 2015 until daily fantasy sports (DFS) exploded. With numerous bills presented, all gaming legislation took a straight back seat once New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman pushed to make DFS unlawful in his state. Which brings us to…