Mob Rule<\/strong><\/h2>\nLaws related to corporate campaign donations differ from state to state, but most either limit or prohibit the practice to guard against corruption or the perception of corruption.<\/p>\n
In Nevada, where the casino industry and its interests are part of the socio-political fabric, they\u2019re legal. But other significant US casino jurisdictions, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have sought to limit the industry\u2019s influence — in New Jersey’s case, partly because of its historical connections to organized crime.<\/p>\n
Some suggest this is outdated, since the Mob has long been driven out of US casino operations. But Michigan State Rep. Bill Sowerby believes the decision to increase the casinos\u2019 political influence in his state, while simultaneously opening the door to ex-felons and decreasing background checks, was an odd one.<\/p>\n
\u201cMillionaire and billionaire casino owners will now be allowed to give money to state legislators,\u201d Sowerby said in a statement to The Detroit News<\/em>.<\/p>\nEven worse, casino owners will no longer have to disclose to the public their past felony crime convictions, their financial failures \u2014 including bankruptcies \u2014 or their failures to pay their taxes.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cMichiganders expect and deserve more transparency and accountability from those who have such incredible responsibility, and this legislation severely diminishes that standard,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n