Panel Urges Ban on Political Gifts From Gambling Interests

Nearing the end of its work, a federal commission on gambling urged states to curb political contributions from companies in the gambling business.

If carried out in state legislatures across the country, Wednesday’s recommendation could choke off a large source of money for state and local campaigns.

By a 6-3 vote, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission approved language recommending that states “adopt tight restrictions on contributions to state and local campaigns by entities--corporate, private or tribal--that have applied for or have been granted the privilege of operating gambling facilities.”

The recommendation is a watered-down version of New Jersey’s ban on political contributions from casino interests, their employees and agents.

It came as members of the commission sat down to complete work on a report that commission members will vote on this week and then release to the White House, Congress and others June 18.