Politics

Casino Kingpin Sheldon Adelson Spent $150 Million on US Presidential Election

One of the GOP’s biggest donors, Sheldon Adelson, reportedly spent $150 million in an effort to try and get Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney elected, it was revealed on Monday.

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Submitted by Aaron Goldstein on, Dec/03/2012

Motley Fool: Online Poker Could Help Prevent Fiscal Cliff

Travis Hoium of the Motley Fool suggested in a piece penned Wednesday November 28 that online poker could help towards preventing the so-called “fiscal cliff”. 

Hoium noted:

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/28/2012

Reid Kyl Internet Gambling Bill ‘Not Acceptable’ to Tribes in its Current Form

For years, attempts to pass legislation banning Internet gambling at the federal level were stymied by “carve outs” for various other forms of gaming (i.e. the horse racing sector).   For nearly a decade, lobbyists representing the Tribes had been successful in preventing such measures from being signed into law.  Their interests were typically in stark contrast to that of other groups like the horse racing industry. 

Submitted by C Costigan on, Nov/26/2012

Federal Internet Poker Bill Could be Challenged in Court if Passed

Opposition to a possible bill to legalize Internet poker at the federal level is growing with the possibility that any law could be challenged in court and potentially be ruled unconstitutional. 

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A “penalty box” mentioned as part of the draft legislation being pushed by two Nevada Senators would prohibit overseas operators from obtaining licenses over a period of five years. 

Submitted by Ace King on, Nov/20/2012

Casino Gambling in Texas Possible as Bill Will Come Up in 2013 Session

Texas lawmakers began filing bills Monday before the 2013 legislative session... one of which includes a vote to have casinos in the Lone Star State.

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Lawmakers will convene Jan. 8 for a 140-day session that would only go longer if the governor called a special session. Sessions that take place in even-numbered years go longer.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Nov/12/2012

‘Fiscal Cliff’ Bill Could Offer Nice Vehicle for Internet Poker Measure

A lot has been made of a potential cybersecurity bill acting as a vehicle in which to attach proposed Internet poker legislation drafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senator Jon Kyl.  A better option might be so-called “fiscal cliff’ legislation, and with good reason. 

For one, cybersecurity proved a polarizing issue the last time both the House and Senate attempted to pass their respective bills.  There was huge opposition from outside groups worried over the potential negative impact on freedom of speech.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/11/2012

Harry Reid, John Kyl Internet Poker Draft Bill Still Being Written

Responding to criticisms from the Antiguan government that a draft bill for Internet poker proposed by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senator Jon Kyl would leave the tiny Caribbean nation out of the equation, a Reid spokesperson clarified the current status of the measure.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/10/2012

Nate Silver Back to Playing Poker Following Flawless Presidential Prediction

NEW YORK (Associated Press) — The other night, Nate Silver got a little taste of what things are going to be like for him, post-Election 2012.

The 34-year-old statistician, unabashed numbers geek, author and creator of the much-read FiveThirtyEight blog at the New York Times had gone out for a drink with friends on Manhattan's Lower East Side. But he couldn't stay incognito; immediately, he says, people sitting at the bar recognized him.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Nov/10/2012

Wayne Root Pays Joy Behar on Romney Losing Bet (Video)

After appearing on Joy Behar’s “Say Anything” show Monday night, Las Vegas oddsmaker and 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee Wayne Root has been forced to pay out on his wager that GOP candidate for US President, Mitt Romney, would win Tuesday.

Root paid out $2000 on the bet with Joy and another guest, each of whom wagered $1000.

The Gambling911.com Special Contributor went even further telling us that Romney would “win in a landslide”.

Behar introduced Root as a “big loser”, all in fun of course as she was still smiling over President Barack Obama’s big win.

Submitted by Jordan Bach on, Nov/10/2012

Harry Reid, Dean Heller Mend Relationship: Focus on Internet Poker

After calling out fellow Nevada Senator Republican Dean Heller for failing to muster up enough party votes to pass a proposed Internet poker measure, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has mended his relationship with Heller. 

The two will now work closely to try and pass legislation that would make online poker legal in the United States with their home state acting as the primary licensing hub.  Reid wants the measure passed during the critical Lame Duck session that begins next week and lasts approximately eight weeks. 

Submitted by Ace King on, Nov/08/2012

Super Storm Sandy Changes Election Outcome Claims Las Vegas Oddsmaker

The following is an editorial piece from Gambling911.com Special Contributor and former 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee Wayne Allyn Root. 

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Submitted by Wayne Allyn Root on, Nov/08/2012

Washington State You Can Smoke Pot But Can’t Play Online Poker

Washington State was one of two states to legalize marijuana for recreational use following a voter referendum on Tuesday (November 6), the other being Colorado.  Remarkably, while pot smoking may now be legal in Washington, playing online poker is not

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Yes, it’s true.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Nov/07/2012

Maryland Approves Gambling Expansion

CBS WJZ reported Wednesday morning that gambling expansion as part of a voter referendum has passed in the state of Maryland.

Question 7 passed with 52 percent approval.

When all was said and done, $87 million had been spent on the gambling expansion initiative.  This is more money than was spent on the last Governor race.

“It’s gonna be more jobs, construction jobs, long-term jobs in the hospitality industry, but it’s also gonna mean more dollars for Maryland schools,” said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Nov/07/2012

Dean Heller Wins Nevada Senate, John Tierney Wins Back Massachusetts Seat

Democrat Shelley Berkley, a long time ally to the online gambling sector, has lost her bid for Nevada Senator in a tight race.  Berkley represented the Las Vegas area as a Congresswoman. 

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Republican Dean Heller has won back his seat.  He is currently working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat also from the state of Nevada, to push forward federal online gambling legislation. 

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Nov/07/2012

Obama Wins at 1-3 Odds!

US incumbent President Barack Obama has won his re-election bid as a near 1-3 favorite.

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CNN projected Obama’s win at 11:20 pm ET.

The projection was made as it was determined that Obama would take the key battleground state of Ohio.

Submitted by Carrie Stroup on, Nov/06/2012

New Jersey Internet Gambling Law Expected by Month’s End

A bill to make Internet gambling legal in the state of New Jersey was expected to be signed into law as early as month’s end. 

Joe Brennan, Jr., head of the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMEGA.org) advised Gambling911.com that he anticipates the measure landing on Governor Chris Christie’s desk by the end of November.  Christie is widely expected to sign the legislation into law.  Brennan’s organization is working closely with state officials regarding this bill. 

Submitted by C Costigan on, Nov/06/2012

US Election Betting Trends Have Romney Getting 70 Percent Final Hours

Carrie Stroup here and some important breaking news as Sportsbook.com reports that 70 percent of the US Election betting between Noon Eastern Standard Time and 2 pm ET was coming in on GOP candidate Mitt Romney. 

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Submitted by Carrie Stroup on, Nov/06/2012

Wayne Root Bets $2000 on Mitt Romney to Win Election vs. Joy Behar (Video)

Politician and Las Vegas oddsmaker and 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee Wayne Allyn Root tells “Say Anything” host Joy Behar why he thinks Mitt Romney will prevail on Election Day.

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Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/05/2012

2012 US Presidential Betting Odds: Current – Election Day

Gambling911.com has your 2012 US Presidential betting odds for each of the swing states as we will hopefully be determining the President by Tuesday night.  This is going to be a close race though and these odds below showcase this notion. 

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Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/05/2012

Obama Wins, So Claims Paddy Power

Ireland’s biggest bookmaker, PaddyPower.com, has paid out on all Obama bets. 

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Problem is, he hasn’t been declared the winner yet.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/05/2012

Odds of a Mitt Romney Landslide: 'Bet of the Century' Claims One Pundit

While the online oddsmakers believe the US Presidential Elections are in the bag (Paddy Power already paid out on President Barack Obama bets), a few pundits are saying “not so fast”.

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CNBC’s Larry Kudlow was recently quoted as saying “I am now predicting a 330 vote electoral landslide.”

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/05/2012

US Presidential Swing States Betting Odds Heading Into Tuesday

There is still time to bet on the US Presidential swing states prior to Tuesday’s US Presidential elections.  Some of these continue to be tight and the payouts may prove lucrative.

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Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/04/2012

MGM Makes Final Pitch for Gambling Expansion in Maryland Ahead of Election

(Associated Press) - The CEO of MGM Resorts International said Friday that if Maryland voters agree Tuesday to expand legalized gambling, his company would build a luxurious and architecturally unimposing casino and hotel near the nation's capital, not a blocky neon-lit behemoth.

"There would be zero neon, and no marquee sign," said Jim Murren, MGM Resort International's chief executive officer, outlining his plans for a building that he says would respect the environment next to the Potomac River in Prince George's County.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Nov/03/2012

Obama Odds to Win Colorado Improve: Romney Still Favored in Florida

What continues to be a tight race shows signs of trending towards US President Barack Obama as swing state Colorado for the first time in several weeks has the incumbent as a -135 favorite compared to GOP nominee Mitt Romney paying slightly better than EVEN odds. 

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/03/2012

Gambling Expansion in Maryland Now Faces Lawsuit Ahead of Election

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — (Associated Press) - Opponents of expanding gambling in Maryland have filed a lawsuit saying a majority of registered voters in the state would need to approve the proposal, not just a majority of people who vote on the ballot question.

Thomas Dernoga, an attorney representing eight plaintiffs who oppose a casino in Prince George’s County, filed the lawsuit in Annapolis on Friday.

Dernoga says the plaintiffs want the courts to review the threshold required for approval of the ballot question.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Nov/02/2012

Massachusetts Treasurer Blasts Reid-Kyl Online Poker Bill: ‘Unfair Advantage’

(Reuters) - Massachusetts' state treasurer on Wednesday blasted an online-gambling bill backed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, saying the proposed federal law threatened the Massachusetts lottery that last year yielded nearly $1 billion in profits.

Submitted by Reuters on, Nov/02/2012

Obama Still Near 1-3 Favorite to Win Ohio, Romney Gains Ground in Florida

US President Barack Obama is favored by nearly 1-3 to win the state of Ohio with just days until the Presidential election.  Most polls show Obama up 3 points, well within the margin of error, however.  All odds courtesy of Sportsbook.com here

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Nov/01/2012

Kentucky Governor to Push for Casino Gambling in Commonwealth Again Next Session

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Associated Press) — Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear said Wednesday he appointed his chief Republican rival in the Legislature to a judicial post because he was the best qualified applicant for the job, not because getting him out of the way would improve the chances of legalizing casino gambling in the state.

Beshear, in his first public comments since appointing Senate President Davis Williams circuit judge in southern Kentucky, said he had a responsibility to pick the best person for the job.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/31/2012

Close Call for Internet Poker Bill as Harry Reid Involved in Car Accident

The man who is trying to push through a federal Internet poker bill for the lame duck session, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, is doing well Friday evening following a multi-car accident in Las Vegas. 

Reid suffered rib and hip contusions in the crash that happened about 1:10 p.m. Friday on Interstate 15, staffers said

He was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and walked into the hospital on his own. The senator's office said Reid, 72, has been cleared for release from the hospital.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/26/2012

Brennan Jr: Harry Reid Likely Eyeing Cyber Security Bill for Online Poker Measure

The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (imega.org) founder Joe Brennan, Jr. believes that a reintroduced Cyber Security measure could be the vehicle for passing online poker legislation during the lame duck session. 

Brennan, Jr. tweeted: 

Bet this is the ‘must pass’ bill Reid will tack his poker bill to in Lame Duck; is it enough of a “must have” to work?

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/24/2012

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