Willie Brown Joins Adelson’s Side in the Battle against Internet Gambling

Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown will lead the California branch of the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.

Earlier this year, lawmakers have announced their intentions of legalizing online poker sites in the US state of California. But things might take a surprising turn, as elections are coming and the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling – backed by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson – is gaining more and more influence.

The group managed to “convert” quite a few politicians who previously supported internet poker, and Willie Brown is their latest addition. The former mayor of San Francisco and California legislator announced that he was going to lead the California branch of the coalition. He is also the group’s new national co-chair.

Switching sides

Considering Brown’s previous work to support the legalization of online poker, the move is surprising, to say the least. But now the politician wants American gambling laws to ban all forms of online betting.

In an open letter explaining his actions, Brown wrote: “There are a multitude of reasons to oppose the expansion of Internet gambling. I was once on the wrong side of this issue – speaking for and supporting Internet poker – but I have since learned about some of the tactics used by online gambling companies to lure young people.”

California lawmakers are currently evaluating two bills that aim to legalize online poker within the state’s borders.