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Polis Report

Gambling On The Election

By Erica Turner

The gambling industry isn't risking a wager on who will win the 1996 presidential election. Gambling interests are contributing to the campaign war chests of both former Senator Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton.

The Center for Public Integrity, in a new report, "Place Your Bets: The Gambling Industry and the 1996 Presidential Election," says that gambling interests have increased campaign contributions for 1995 and 1996 to both Dole and Clinton by over 75 percent of all their campaign contributions to either candidate since 1981.

Chairman and chief executive officer of Mirage Resorts Inc. Stephen Wynn has been instrumental in raising funds for both candidates in preparation for the 1996 election. Wynn, who been called the most powerful figure in the gambling world, has helped raise money for and contributed to Dole and the Republican Party since 1993. More recently, Wynn has helped raise money for Clinton and has contributed to the Democratic Party in support of Clinton's re-election.

The president of the American Gaming Association, Frank Fahrenkopf, told the Center for Public Integrity that Clinton and Dole are "very close" on their views of gambling.

To obtain a copy of "Place Your Bets: The Gambling Industry and the 1996 Presidential Election," call the Center for Public Integrity at 202/783-3900.

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From the August 1-7, 1996 issue of Metro

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