This week, Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson hijacked the critical Attorney General confirmation proceedingsin the House Judiciary Committee. One of his minions, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who is “testing the waters” for a 2016 Presidential bid, took time during the hearing to ask Attorney General candidate Loretta Lynch about the 2011 clarification of the Wire Act, which says that the law only applies to sports betting.

Rather than listening to Lynch’s responses, thinking critically, and responding, Graham cut her off multiple times and seemed disinterested in what she had to say. Instead, he used the all-important hearing as a platform to promote Adelson’s agenda.

“I am not surprised he used the moment to raise the Wire Act and, at the same time, curry favor with Sheldon Adelson,” Poker Players AllianceExecutive Director John Pappas (pictured above) told PocketFives. “I don’t think it is any coincidence that Senator Graham announced his intention to run for President the very same day.”

Graham introduced Adelson’s Restoring America’s Wire Act last Congress. The bill would eradicate internet gambling in the US, including in the three states where it’s currently regulated.

Where does Lynch stand on internet gambling? After all, she called the 2011 DOJ decision “one interpretation of the Wire Act” and will undoubtedly be bombarded with propaganda from Adelson (pictured), Graham, and company.

Pappas remarked, “The Attorney General nominee’s position on internet gaming is not known. However, I cannot imagine that she or any other law enforcement official would prefer an unregulated, unaccountable internet gaming marketplace over one that’s regulated and accountable.”

Graham asked Lynch about the possibility of terrorists and criminal organizations funneling money through internet gambling sites, a theme we’ve seen in countless hearings over the years. “There is zero credibility to the argument that terrorist organizations are using online gaming sites to finance their operations,” Pappas said. “Just like there is zero credibility to the notion that criminal enterprises are laundering their cash through online poker sites. But, just because it isn’t true doesn’t mean our opponents won’t say it. I think we’ve learned they will stop at nothing to spread fear and misinformation about the industry.”

Graham has already started a Presidential-focused website, SecurityThroughStrength.com. Adelson’s Sands owns the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas and Sands Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. Why any player would step foot in any of his casinos is beyond this author’s comprehension.

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