Barack Obama For or Against Gambling
Now that Barack Obama has been elected as our Nations next President, it will be interesting to see if the gambling industry will be affected during his reign. During Barak’s political career his stances on gambling issues have teetered in favor of, in opposition to and on several occasions he has been indecisive in his response to sensitive issues in regards to the industry.
As Senator of Illinois, there were times he opposed plans in expanding gambling in his state, due to his concern of the possible harmful effects for lower income people. At one point in his career he warned that gambling carries a “moral and social cost” that could “devastate” poor communities.
During the recent Democratic presidential nominee campaign Hillary Clinton’s campaign representatives distributed a document to local media which listed several of Obama’s previous quotes in regards to him blasting gambling as “socially destructive” and “economically irresponsible”. Nevada an important state for the Democratic primaries was a main focus for both Obama and Clinton. Despite Clinton’s attempts to bring up past statements of Obama’s, he reigned victorious as the Democratic nominee for Nevada. The outcome, Clinton won the most popular votes but Obama won the most delegate votes.
Of course Nevada, the state where fancy clay poker chips, like the 14 gram Tri Color chips, are on the minds of most every visitor to the state; would be the most effected if gaming regulations were adjusted in anyway negative connotation. Despite major concerns of executives at some of the more prominent Nevada Casino’s, Obama has catered to the union workers at casinos and has gained their support. In one of his campaign speeches he stated that Nevada is a “model” for properly regulated casino gambling. Meanwhile implementing policies which have prolonged advancement in regards to Illinois gambling.
Obama carried Nevada by a crushing double digit against McCain in this year’s presidential race. Hopefully he will not stifle this industry, but will allow for its growth, which will be evident by increased job opportunities as well as increased economic development. It would truly be a sad day for gambling enthusiasts if they couldn’t go to Vegas and have superior plastic playing cards dealt to them by professional dealers and win a fortune.