Obama: No Stimulus Money For Vegas Casinos

A provision related to the federal stimulus bill makes it clear that Las Vegas casinos are not to receive any of the money.

But Nevada Senator Harry Reid has asked for clarification from President Obama, citing that casinos are used to house abused women.

The Democratic majority leader says in a letter sent Friday that the provision is "overly broad" and is discouraging nonprofit groups from applying for stimulus money.

argues that casinos are often the only suitable space for conferences and workshops held by community organizations.  He makes reference to a women's group that often uses casino hotel rooms as transitional housing for victims of violence.

The Senate approved the provision, introduced by Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, last month in a 73-24 vote. Reid voted against the measure, while Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign supported it.

The Vegas economy, including its casino industry, have been hit especially hard by the recent recession.

Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher