Adelson Shaping Up For Another Major Confrontation

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Aug 29, 2014

The clash with Disney is likely to be monumental

Las Vegas Sands' multi-billionaire owner Sheldon Adelson has been making headlines with his implacable opposition to online gambling in the United States, but he may face a more formidable foe to his company's expansion in Florida.
The investment publication Motley Fool reports that the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is a cornerstone of Disney's global operations, comprising more than 31 percent of the company's revenue in 2013, and one of its most successful and fast-growing enterprises.
And it sees attempts by Adelson and others to introduce massive casino resorts into the region as threats, potentially diluting the massive flow of 18.6 million visitors it enjoyed in 2013.
Earlier this year Disney vigorously opposed legislation to allow casino expansion into Florida, led by Adelson's company.
At present, state law in Florida allows for eight Native American casinos with Vegas-style gambling, and 31 pari-mutuel betting facilities. The threat to Disney is that LVS can offer a family-friendly, fully integrated resort that includes not just gambling, but many forms of non-gaming entertainment.
With theme park revenues alone of $14 billion last year, Disney's clout outpaces even LVS, which reported total revenues of $13.77 billion in 2013.
The issue is being highlighted as the November election of the state's next governor looms, with the main contenders Republican incumbent Rick Scott (known to have visited Adelson and to have ambitions beyond Florida) and Democrat Charlie Crist.
The two are embroiled in an at times vicious political competition for power as each seeks to demean the morals and business-development potential of the other, aided by competing state interests.
Both have been treading carefully around the gambling and casino issue, but the media and the voting public are becoming increasingly insistent that they are specific in their views, and the expectation is that they will have to nail their colours to the mast soon.
Given his relationship with Adelson and ambitions for the White House, Scott seems likely to back the LVS expansion into Florida. He has a record of claiming that gambling expansion can create more jobs and tax revenues for the state.
A study commissioned by Florida lawmakers in October last year showed that allowing full casino resorts could increase spending in Florida by $1.5 billion annually.
According to Bloomberg business news, Disney has contributed $1.7 million to Florida lawmakers since 2012, though gaming companies and interests combined have contributed $3.4 million.
That sort of money invariably gets the attention of lawmakers, and the indications are that Adelson could have a major fight on his hands with a formidable opponent in Disney.

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

Casinomeister Went Down, But Not Out — The Website’s Back in Action

Casinomeister website experienced some downtime, and as always, we’re here to tell you exactly what happened.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Casinomeister Went Down, But Not Out — The Website’s Back in Action

Extra Love From Pragmatic Play: Win Up to 4 Amazon Vouchers

This Valentine’s Pragmatic Play has brought extra love for Casinomeister players. Cast your line and win up to 4 Amazon vouchers!

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Extra Love From Pragmatic Play: Win Up to 4 Amazon Vouchers

Lottomart Celebrates Casinomeister Award Win With an Exclusive Bonus

Lottomart won the Casinomeister Award for the best customer service in 2024, and they decided ot mark this occasion with an exclusive promo.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 12, 2025
Lottomart Celebrates Casinomeister Award Win With an Exclusive Bonus

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!