Coalition opposing Internet gambling building support

13 February 2014

By Howard Stutz

LAS VEGAS -- A coalition seeking a federal ban on Internet gaming said Wednesday it has gained support from 39 faith-based and conservative organizations.

The Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling announced the backing during a telephone news conference. The organization, which is financially backed by Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman Sheldon Adelson, claimed the membership of the 39 groups total more than 1 million.

Among the groups are 11 different Faith and Freedom Coalitions, the American Principles Project, the Network of Politically Active Christians, and the Universal Baptist Church.

According to a statement from the Washington D.C.-based coalition, the groups “come together to confront the many and varied threats posed by legalized Internet gambling.”

The coalition launched its first web advertisement on Monday.

Another group, the Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection, was formed in direct response to the Adelson-funded coalition. It was launched in an effort to halt any congressional move to ban online wagering.