IGT Named as Top Political Donor

NEVADA – As reported by the Reno-Gazette Journal: "Almost half of the contributions to groups affiliated with the Democratic and Republican parties from the state of Nevada during the past two years came from Reno-based International Game Technology, according to data compiled by PoliticalMoneyline, a campaign watchdog group.

"IGT, the world's dominant slot-machine maker, gave $500,000 to political groups in the past two years, far outpacing similar campaign donations by large casino companies.

"…IGT donates the money to expand its gambling business throughout the nation, said Charles Brooke, the company's vice president of government relations. Casino companies, on the other hand, only operate in limited parts of the country, he said.

"…The next largest contributor to 527 groups in Nevada was Harrah's Entertainment Inc. of Las Vegas.

"…Bill Eadington, a gambling studies professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, said the gaming industry is influenced by political decisions and, to some extent, the outcome of certain elections…"