Sheldon Adelson kicks off 2015 Anti-Online Gaming Campaign

If at first you don’t succeed, then try again. At least, that’s what Sheldon Adelson is likely telling himself as he renews his anti-online gaming push in 2015. The Las Vegas Sands Chairman saw his Restoration of America’s Wire Act bill (RAWA) die in Congress’ lame duck session last November. So he’s already stepping up his efforts this year, recently getting a private meeting with Republican of the House Judiciary Committee.

As TownHall.com reports, the meeting was called so that Adelson could both discuss strategy and get an update from GOP congressmen. It’s not clear whether House leadership set up the briefing or whether Adelson’s lobbyists arranged it.

No matter how the meeting was set up, it’s easy to see the political influence that the billionaire and his money hold over Congress. He spent over $90 million towards GOP candidates and agendas in 2014, which has given his anti-online gaming campaign some legitimacy. And he’s truly living up to his vow of “spending whatever it takes” to get interment gaming banned on a federal level. But will his massive spending ultimately result in a ban? Here is TownHall’s take on the matter:

“The effort has also created the awkward situation, where conservatives and libertarians—often the beneficiaries of the $100 million Adelson has contributed to GOP candidates and campaigns—have to tell the man that they cannot outlaw his online competition, even if it is the only thing he ever asked them to do for him.

This awkward caucus is in three camps.

Some are put-off by the big ask. Other have no issue with online gambling as a business, a lifestyle or as a individual’s choice. The others are part of the growing neo-federalism movement that seeks to devolve authority and control out of Washington back to the states and the people.”

TownHall brings up a good point in that many of those who’ve benefited from Adelson’s money may not be able to back up promises of onishing iGaming. After all, three states in Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada have already legalized the activity, while California is making a serious effort to become the fourth. Other states that have begun discussions include Illinois, Mississippi, New York and Pennsylvania.

With more and more state behind iGaming, it’s hard to see Adelson’s vision of a federal ban coming to fruition. But given that he’s already on a warpath in 2015, don’t expected the 81-year-old to stop any time soon.