Online poker bill latest sign of Reid ties to home-state gamers

With Sen. Harry Reid working behind the scenes to form legislation that would allow Nevada casinos to offer poker games over the Internet, the Center for Responsive Politics today posted a reminder that the home-state gaming industry has been the largest source of Reid campaign funds during his long career.

"The bottom line first: No member of Congress has received more money from the casino and gambling industry during the past two decades -- more than $1.72 million -- than Reid," writes Dave Levinthal on the center's blog.

MGM Resorts ranks first in Reid donations with $295,150, according to the center. Harrah's Entertainment which now is Caesars Entertainment,  Mandalay Resort Group, Station Casinos and Boyd Gaming  are in the top 10.

Also perhaps no surprise, Nevada lawmakers rank one through four as the recipients of gaming industry contributions.