Adelson to fight Internet gambling
American billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson is trying to persuade Congress to ban internet betting, with critics arguing that Adelson�™s effort is aimed at controlling his rivals using the Internet as a way to make more profit.
Adelson�™s record-breaking campaign spending in 2012 made him an icon of the new super-donor era. He is best known for building upscale casino resorts in Nevada and more recently in Asia.
The billionaire argues that the online gambling is a danger to society and could tarnish the industry�™s traditional business model, The Washington Post reported. Adelson is preparing a public campaign to portray online gambling as a danger to children, the poor and others who could be exploited by easy access to Internet betting, the Post added.
His competitors however, disagree. Rival firms view Adelson�™s initiative as a major threat saying the billionaire�™s push against Internet gambling is related to his business.
Adelson has already hired lobbyists and public relations experts to press his case in Washington and in state capitals nationwide.
�œIn my 15 years of working with him, I don�™t think I have ever seen him this passionate about any issue,” the Post quoted Andy Abboud, Adelson�™s top political adviser, as saying.
Adelson has about two dozen experts working nearly full time on the issue.
A coalition of advocacy groups, representing women, African Americans and Hispanics, are expected to start a campaign in January against online betting.
Three US states have moved to legalize online gambling, and over a dozen others are expected to consider it next year.
ARA/ARA
Source: Press TV
Source: http://rinf.com/alt-news/breaking-news/adelson-to-fight-internet-gambling/
