Nevada AG Announces Support for RAWA Legislation

Nevada_state_sealIn an odd turn of events, the Nevada Attorney General has stated that he is in support of online gambling legislation that would ban the activity across the United States. Adam Laxalt, the AG of Nevada, spoke with Jon Ralston, a journalist of Nevada, stated that he is in support of Sheldon Adelson’s bill, the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, adding his name to the list of state attorneys general who are in support of the movement.

A letter was issued in October that had several signatures of attorney’s general from South Carolina and Missouri, urging other AG’s to sign on in support of the RAWA legislation. Back in 2014, a similar letter had been circling but only 16 AG’s signed on.

Laxalt was asked by Ralston why he was changing his stance from supporting the state’s rights over the federal power, Laxalt stated that there are ‘a couple giant exceptions’ to the rule and that he considers gaming a ‘different animal’ which requires a different approach.

The Attorney General stated that that 2011 opinion of the United States Department of Justice in regards to the Wire Act of 1961 applying to online sports betting only, had changed the landscape so to speak without consulting stakeholders properly. He then stated that action was needed to restore the subject to status quo.

Adelson donated funds to Laxalt’s campaign in 2014 but the AG claims he has not discussed the RAWA legislation with him. The statement by Laxalt in regards to supporting the measure was reacted upon by several legislators including A.G. Burnett, the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Burnett stated that he disagrees with Laxalt and his new postion, as states should have the right to regulate gaming as they so choose.

Governor Brian Sandoval was also in disagreement, stating that RAWA would undo the existing online poker market in the state and is very concerned that someone representing the state’s legal interests would speak out against the current stay law in the leading industry of Nevada.

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