Date: November 8, 2024, 01:03h.

Last updated on: November 8, 2024, 01:03h.

In January, Shelley Berkley is set to be sworn in as the new mayor of Las Vegas, after defeating Victoria Seaman in a recent election. However, not many people are aware of her involvement in a scandal with the wealthiest casino owner on the Las Vegas Strip 25 years ago.

Shelley & Sheldon

Back in 1989, Berkley, who had previously served in the Nevada Assembly from 1982-84, became the VP of government and legal affairs for Sheldon Adelson. Adelson had just acquired the Sands Hotel and Casino for $110 million at the time.

Adelson’s decision to hire a former state legislator for a legal role raised eyebrows. Berkley’s actual role was to provide political guidance, rather than handling legal matters like liability issues and contract negotiations.

She assisted Adelson in navigating local politics for his future projects. This included advising on ways to influence elected officials through campaign contributions and other means.

One of her recommendations in 1996 suggested the idea of bribing local judges to gain favor in the decision-making process.

Gaming the System

One of Berkley’s memos highlighted the importance of supporting judges with political donations to secure influence. She also suggested hiring the uncle of a commissioner involved in a later corruption scandal for a job at the Venetian.

Furthermore, she advised Adelson to grant favors in exchange for votes on critical permits needed for his business ventures.

House Seat of Cards

Berkley’s tenure with Adelson came to an abrupt end in 1997 when she opposed his anti-union stance for the Venetian. She later ran for a House seat, during which details of her controversial advice to Adelson were leaked to the media.

Despite the backlash, Berkley won a seat in the US House of Representatives and served seven terms from 1999 to 2013.

No Consequences

While Berkley faced scrutiny for her actions, no formal investigations took place, and she continued her political career without any legal consequences.

Despite the controversies, Berkley’s career progressed, and she eventually became the mayor of Las Vegas in 2024.