Both Parties, Same Donors: The Casino Industry's Bipartisan Control
Democrats get more total dollars. Republicans are more dependent on gaming money. Either way, the casino industry wins every election.
Nevada's casino industry has perfected a simple strategy: donate generously to both parties. Democrats receive more total dollars. Republicans are more dependent on gaming contributions as a share of their fundraising. Either way, the industry wins every election.
The Split
Gaming industry contributions in the 2024 cycle show a strategic distribution:
- Democrats: Received more total dollars; gaming made up 12% of their fundraising
- Republicans: Received less total; gaming made up 15% of their fundraising
Seven of the top 10 recipients were Democrats, including legislative leadership. But Republicans depend on gaming for a larger share of their war chests.
Major Donors by Party Lean
Republican-leaning donors:
- Las Vegas Sands / Adelson family: 72% of donations to Republicans
- South Point Hotel and Casino: 78% to Republicans
- Miriam Adelson: Major Republican megadonor, devout Trump supporter
- Steve Wynn: Heavy lean to Republicans
- Phillip Ruffin (Treasure Island): Republican donor, Trump business partner
Democratic-leaning patterns:
- Major casino companies hedge by donating to Democratic leadership
- Labor-friendly casinos give more to Democrats
- Democratic legislative leadership attracts substantial gaming money
The Hedge
Smart money plays both sides. When the Review-Journal analyzed gubernatorial donations in 2022, they found that "Nevada's casino industry donates to both gubernatorial candidates."
Why commit to one candidate when you can own them both?
What Bipartisan Support Buys
By supporting both parties, the gaming industry ensures:
- Access: Lobbyists can walk into any office
- Insurance: Doesn't matter who wins
- Leverage: Can threaten to shift support if crossed
- Normalization: Gaming money becomes expected, not controversial
The Workers vs. The Owners
There's an interesting tension in gaming politics:
- Casino owners: Tend to support Republicans on taxes, regulation
- Culinary Union: Represents casino workers, supports Democrats
But when it comes to legislation affecting the industry itself—permits, development, competition—owners and the union often align. Neither wants threats to the casino business model.
The Illusion of Choice
Nevada voters can choose between Democrats and Republicans. But on issues that matter to the gaming industry, both parties have been bought.
True competition would require candidates who refuse gaming money. In Nevada, that's a recipe for being outspent 10-to-1.