Three of President-elect Donald Trump’s announced political appointees have ties to Nevada’s gaming industry — a sign that an industry once stigmatized in the political sphere has entered the mainstream.
The candidates have the benefit of having passed the state’s rigorous gaming regulatory approval process that, while focused on issues different than the Senate will explore in its confirmation process, offers a kind of background check that may bring added assurances to the lawmakers. And the scrutiny they received as gaming licensees has also shed light on their professional setbacks.
Only one designee, billionaire Tilman Fertitta, nominated to serve as U.S. ambassador to Italy, still holds a Nevada gaming license through his privately held Landry’s Inc.
