GOP Frontrunner Mitt Romney Against Online GamblingSays He Doesn't 'Want to Increase Access to Gaming.' |
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Mitt Romney, the frontrunner for the GOP’s nomination to run against President Barack Obama, told Las Vegas political journalist Jon Ralston last week that he is against online gaming.
When asked if he is a supporter of legalizing the activity, Romney responded: “No, no I’m not. Gaming has a social effect on a lot of people. I don’t want to increase access to gaming. I feel that we have plenty of access to gaming right now through the various casinos and establishments that exist.”
Check out the full Romney interview below.
Note: Online gaming response comes with about two minutes left in the interview.
Romney is coming off a win in Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday.
The former governor of Massachusetts, a Mormon, is not alone in his stance against online gaming among his faith. About a week ago, a Utah lawmaker introduced a bill that would preemptively ban online gaming in the state.
While the federal government mulls over online gaming, some states are considering the industry. Nevada, with regulations already in place and licensing on the horizon, is by far the furthest along.
It’s possible that Romney’s position isn’t all that relevant.
“Ultimately, I don’t think any presidential candidate’s current position on online gaming is going to matter much, since many states are going to take it upon themselves to legalize online gaming within their own borders,” UNLV’s Dr. David Schwartz told Card Player. “Just as with Indian gaming in the late 1980s, Congress will likely be forced to act.”
Card Player contacted the American Gaming Association, the casino industry’s most powerful lobbying group, and a spokesman said the organization isn’t commenting on Romney’s position.
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