It’s pretty clear that politics aren’t clean, and anybody who believes the contrary has probably helped a deposed Nigerian prince through email or given financial details to claim an obscenely large prize from a lottery they never entered.
But every now and then, there’s a sign that smacks you right across the face regarding how corrupt politics can be. And, according to various sources, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s role in blocking PokerStars may very well be one of these signs. That said, let’s discuss what Christie is accused of doing along with how a criminal investigation could arise from this matter.
Christie blocks Major Deal
Back in early 2013, PokerStars was poised to buy the failing Atlantic Club resort and open a $10 million poker room at the casino. However, the deal was dependent on Stars’ ability to get licensed in New Jersey, which never happened. And State Sen. Raymond Lesniak believes that he knows who the culprit is.
“Christie put a stop to it,” Lesniak told BusinessInsider. “With a high degree of confidence it’s apparent that’s exactly what has happened. It’s pretty well known. But I don’t think anyone’s going to go on the record to confirm it.”
Lesniak is largely right in this regard because multiple sources spoke to BusinessInsider about the subject, but did not want their names mentioned. “There’s no reason that the deal shouldn’t have gone through. But the government’s holding back,” one anonymous source explained.
“I think politics has played a role in it,” said another. A third source backed everything up by saying, “There is no question in my mind that Sheldon Adelson is the reason why this hasn’t moved forward, and that’s the only reason.”
Atlantic Club would go on to close their doors in early 2014, while PokerStars has still failed to get licensed in New Jersey. When Stars’ gaming license application got suspended in late 2013, the given reason was founder and Black Friday fugitive Isai Scheinberg’s relationship with the company. However, even after Amaya Gaming’s purchase of Stars last summer, the poker site still remains without a license in New Jersey.
Sheldon Adelson’s money is allegedly the reason why
Lesniak isn’t afraid to accuse Gov. Christie’s relationship with Sheldon Adelson, the chairman of Las Vegas Sands, as the primary reason why Stars continues to be sidelined in New Jersey, even eight months after the Amaya takeover.
“All I know is PokerStars was ready to go and then, all of a sudden, when Adelson started his campaign to ban online gaming nationally…they put it on the back burner,” Lesniak said.
Adelson continues to throw millions at politicians and Christie has no doubt seen money and favors come his way. Most recently, he was criticized for using a private jet owned by Adelson. And Lesniak believes that there’s a strong correlation with Christie’s potential 2016 Presidential bid, and keeping Stars out of New Jersey. The latter figures to help Adelson’s campaign to ban online gaming because, otherwise, PokerStars could help turn around sagging iGaming numbers in the Garden State.
A criminal investigation on the horizon?
Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D) believes that this alleged link between Christie and Adelson could eventually lead to an expanded investigation – one that has already begun thanks to Christie’s involvement with the George Washington Bridge Scandal of 2013.
“If there weren’t the allegations of inappropriate behavior on certain people’s parts, then none of this would be necessary,” said Wisniewski. “So the question we have to ask ourselves is, yes, it’s expensive, but if we weren’t enforcing the laws and standards that everyone is supposed to abide by, then what are we doing?”
Given all of the coincidences between PokerStars being kept out of New Jersey and the rumors about Christie and Adelson’s relationship, it’s interesting to think what could turn up in this investigation.