Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Adelson gives $2M to fight Nevada pot measure

Sheldon Adelson

John Locher / AP

In this May 4, 2015, file photo, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson testifies in court in Las Vegas. Adelson has pulled out of a deal to build a $1.9 billion stadium for the Oakland Raiders in Las Vegas.

Billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson is putting $2 million into a fight against legalizing recreational marijuana in Nevada.

Financial disclosures due Tuesday showed the Las Vegas Sands casino owner is the biggest donor to the Protect Nevada's Children PAC, which also received tens of thousands of dollars from MGM Resorts, the South Point casino and Boyd Gaming.

That group is fighting Question 2, a statewide ballot measure.

Adelson's wife founded clinics that treat drug addiction, and he is a major contributor to anti-marijuana efforts. He recently donated $1 million to oppose recreational marijuana in Massachusetts.

Two PACs supporting legalization raised $1.8 million in the past four months, which is close to opponents' $2.1 million haul. Pro-Question 2 donations are mostly from the marijuana industry and a pot policy reform group.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy