Casino Tycoons Stack Chips For McCain

(CBS)  Las Vegas embraces 36 million people a year, each looking to get lucky - and get rich.

But the casinos aren't nearly so welcoming when it comes to Washington regulations - and in Campaign '08, they're leaving nothing to chance, CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.

You might not know it, but America's gambling obsession has become a major force in the U.S. economy. All that money pouring into casinos and wagered in sports betting amounts to $85 billion a year.

And the handful of tycoons, who control the gambling industry, are playing an unprecedented role: putting all their money behind Sen. John McCain in Nevada, a key battleground state.

McCain's Vegas team of five includes billionaires Sheldon Adelson, of Las Vegas Sands and longtime Democrat Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts. They're acting as "bundlers," mega-fundraisers who, critics say, get special access.

One of their posh events last June carried a $1,000 ante; $10,000 got donors into a VIP reception with McCain; and $33,000 bought access to an even more exclusive reception.

The casino bosses wouldn't talk to us, so we got the scoop from Ray Poirier, of "Gaming Today."

"What's different about this presidential election that would motivate them to get that heavily involved?" Attkisson asked.

"I don't think they've encountered this kind of concern in the past," Poirier said.

Poirier says they worry Obama would be a big regulator - and cost them billions.

"It could bring problems with unions; it could bring problems with taxes," he said.

As for McCain - he too was once viewed as hostile to gambling after he tried to ban sports betting. He failed after the gaming industry flooded Congress with campaign donations.

"This is all about money!" McCain said in 2001. "This is all about $10 million in campaign contributions by the gambling industry."

Today, McCain is accepting donations from some of the same players. His office didn't return our calls, but according to federal records, his gaming-related donations reach $2 million dollars or more.

In contrast, Obama's gotten between $50,000 and $100,000 from one fundraiser with casino interests - the wife of resort owner Steve Wynn.

Like Vegas, politics is always a gamble. But it seems gambling industry honchos are hoping to better their odds by increasing John McCain's.

[docadams3]

Giancana and Trafficante are both dead, right?

[zgriner-2009]

Don''t you just love this unbiased headline: "Casino Tycoons Stack Chips For McCain - Sin City Bigs Bundle Cash For Republican, Fearing Regulations Under Obama" Makes it sound like something illegal is going on. You won''t find this headline: "How strawman donations help Obama"

[qb2626]

Thanks to the MSM we have not received required information to base our votes on. The 600 million Obama has in campaign dollars may be 25% illegal. FEC will report too late for the vote.
Where are the journalists to report on the alliances of Obama? If Rezko, Giannoulias, Wright, Ayers, Dohrn, and Frank Marshall Davis were friends of McCain it would be top & center reporting for us all to hear. But MSM has been in the bag for Obama. Sad because we missed the unbiased reporting. Journalists? What are those? Where are they?

[butterflyxo]

You know what, If Obama''s plan was so socialist, why is it that you don''t see the wealthy or CEO''s in an uproar about Obama? Instead he has top CEO''s and America''s wealthiest endorsing him. Warren Buffet, Eric Schmidt...need I say more??
The only person complaining about Obama''s tax plan is Joe the Plumber...who''s broke and who would end up getting a tax break. It''s mind baffling!

[butterflyxo]

Element51,
You''re Awesome! :O) I''m willing to pay more taxes as well to help 95% of this country! The stairway to success has lost it''s steps. The success I''ve achieved would not be possible in todays economic climate. The vast majority of America is struggling right now. Paying a little more in taxes is my way of being more Patriotic.

[zietzke-2009]

People who put their money where their mouth''''s are get it right.

Posted by O_The_POTUS -----------------

Wishfull thinking ? Check out the electorial map...

This one''s a wrap ! Better luck in 4 years.

[zietzke-2009]

I guess no one is looking at the electorial map.......OBAMA has already won !! I love Las Veges...Great town ! The bosses got this wrong....Oh well, They never loose for long !! See you at the Black Jack Tables at the Mirage.

[wsks]

Oh well, Vegas'' days are number anyway aren''t they? Who are they going to steal the water from, to continue? Not the mention the fuel people will need to get to Vegas. They only candidate that attempted to give Americans the wake up call, they need to hear was R. Paul., look where that got him.

[majthj]

I say all businesses need to cash in and set home on the porch - after all if they''re rich they don''t need to work and see where all your tax breaks come from. What is it with democrats that knock people that have worked hard and become successful?? I just don''t get it?? Who do you think creates jobs - has Obama got you so brainwashed with his hollow promises that you can''t even reason things out.. Who do most of us work for - a business or civil service? Would you be better off without a job????
He has his supporters convinced he has all the answers to the economy - he''s never worked in private industry - only not-for profit - how could he possibly know anything about business?? He brags about his experience running his campaign - yes, from donations, not a regular private industry job. Hey, I''d do great too spending free money...

[pastdue1]

And why wouldn''t they want McCain, he is one of their best customers and certainly one of their biggest benefactors in Washington.