Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has a new communications coordinator, and for those of us in the gaming industry the name will definitely ring a bell. The presumptive nominee of the Republican Party has named Michael Abboud as his new communications coordinator. If the surname sounds familiar it’s because Michael Abboud is the nephew of Las Vegas Sands Vice President of Government Relations, Andy Abboud.

Andy Abboud is considered one of Sheldon Adelson’s top lieutenants, and the face of the casino magnate’s anti-online gambling movement.  Michael Abboud is also the son of former Nebraska State Senator Chris Abboud. Andy Abboud has made many appearances in both Congress and in statehouses across the country, espousing Sheldon Adelson’s anti-online gambling views. Abboud is also a go-to source for the media when it comes to statements on the issue of online gambling.

The hire doesn’t necessarily mean Trump will adopt Adelson’s anti-online gaming stance, but it is worrisome. While conventional wisdom once put Trump in the pro-online gambling camp, that stance is increasingly in doubt because of connections and money coming from Adelson. After strongly supporting online gambling legalization back in 2011, Trump has been very quiet when it comes to his views on online gambling in the United States since.

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