Sacramento, CA – Attorney General Rob Bonta is under scrutiny following revelations that he accepted a $16,200 campaign donation from the Bicycle Casino, a Southern California cardroom that was under investigation by his office at the time. The contribution, made in 2021 shortly after Bonta assumed office, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the state's top law enforcement official.
The investigation into the Bicycle Casino centered on allegations of inadequate anti-money laundering measures, particularly concerning a high-stakes gambler who conducted over $100 million in cash transactions within a seven-month period in 2016. While federal agencies imposed a $500,000 fine on the casino, the California Bureau of Gambling Control, operating under the Attorney General's jurisdiction, ultimately dropped its case.
Political consultant Jim Ross commented on the situation, stating, "The issue here is the appearance—the fact that you’re taking money from who you’re investigating is going to create concerns in voters’ minds. This is the kind of thing that will dog you for the entire time of the campaign."
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Attorney General emphasized that there was no evidence linking the campaign donation to any decisions made regarding the investigation. They further noted that the investigation pertained to the casino's previous ownership and that the current proprietors, who acquired the establishment in April 2022, were not implicated in the prior allegations.
This incident has prompted discussions about the ethical considerations of accepting campaign contributions from entities under investigation and the potential need for reforms to prevent similar situations in the future.
