VGW Holdings, the parent company of Global Poker, has donated $30,000 to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R) campaign for Alabama governor.
Tuberville is currently a US senator. The donation from the Australia-based sweepstakes casino operator comes after efforts in recent years to legalize gambling in the state have failed. The latest came this year, but that legislation also appears dead.
Some believe Tuberville accepting campaign cash from VGW may signal a willingness to be at least open to some legal gambling.
Gambling Expansion Possible?
Alabama has limited gaming; it is one of only five states without a lottery. The Yellowhammer State only has three tribal casinos, all owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The country has seen several states ban sweepstakes operators … and that may be part of the donation equation as well.
“Just because gambling is illegal in Alabama now does not mean that it will be illegal forever,” Nova Southeastern University professor of law and gambling and sports law expert Bob Jarvis told AL.com. “VGW is looking to the future and hoping to buy good will with a candidate who may in the future be in a position to help change Alabama’s gambling laws.”
Despite being open to expanded gambling, that may not be enough to get a gambling bill passed. The issue, including efforts at simply legalizing a state lottery, have continually hit roadblocks in the state Legislature.
Current Gov. Kay Ivey (R) favors expanding gaming by letting voters decide. However, that effort has never come to fruition, as several bills have died at the statehouse.
The Republican primary is set for May 19. Tuberville has a double-digit lead over his nearest competitor. In a head-to-head battle against Democrat frontrunner, former US Sen. Doug Jones, Tuberville has almost a 20-point lead, according to some polls. Alabama voters haven’t elected a Democrat governor since 1998.
States Crack Down On Sweepstakes Operators
Several states have enacted sweepstakes casino bans over the last year. Maine and Indiana were some of the latest to consider banning the platforms.
California saw a ban signed into law in October. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed legislation to ban sweeps into law in August. A sweeps ban was introduced in Florida in December.
In other VGW-related news, billionaire founder and CEO Laurence Escalante stepped down from his role after being arrested in February for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
