Attorney General Rob Bonta had barely settled into his role as California’s top law enforcement official when a hefty campaign donation landed in his coffers. The donor? A prominent Southern California casino under investigation by his own office.
A Well-Timed Contribution
In May 2021, just one month after Bonta was sworn in as Attorney General, the Bicycle Casino cut a check for $16,200 to support his campaign. The sum wasn’t random—it was the maximum amount California law allowed at the time.
The timing raised eyebrows. At that very moment, federal authorities and the California Bureau of Gambling Control (a division of Bonta’s own office) were probing the Bicycle for potential money laundering violations. If proven, the accusations could have led to steep fines or even criminal charges.
The Casino’s Checkered History
This wasn’t the first time the Bicycle Casino had attracted legal scrutiny. In 2017, federal agents raided the Bell Gardens cardroom as part of an anti-money laundering operation. The feds suspected that illicit funds were being funneled through the casino’s high-stakes games, prompting an aggressive crackdown.
Despite the raid, the casino continued operations, though regulatory concerns lingered. The 2021 investigation, ongoing when Bonta received the campaign donation, suggested that the casino had still not done enough to prevent financial crimes in its cardroom.
The Bigger Picture: Money, Politics, and Oversight
The intersection of campaign cash and law enforcement is a murky one. Elected officials rely on donations to stay in power, but when those donations come from entities under investigation, ethical questions arise.
Here’s why this situation is particularly sensitive:
- The California Attorney General oversees the Bureau of Gambling Control, which regulates casinos.
- Investigations into money laundering are complex and often lead to settlements or fines rather than criminal charges.
- Political donations from regulated industries can create the appearance of favoritism, even if no wrongdoing is proven.
Could This Lead to a Conflict of Interest?
Legally, there’s no rule preventing Bonta from accepting donations from a business his office is investigating. But it doesn’t look great.
The optics matter, especially given California’s history of corruption scandals involving gambling interests. Even if Bonta had no direct role in the Bicycle investigation, the donation fuels skepticism about whether enforcement actions are truly independent—or influenced by political relationships.
Bonta, for his part, has not commented directly on the donation. His campaign team has previously said contributions do not impact enforcement decisions. However, public trust in government hinges on the perception that justice isn’t for sale.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into the Bicycle Casino remains unresolved. While federal authorities and state regulators continue their probe, the casino has not faced formal charges—at least not yet.
Bonta, meanwhile, went on to win reelection in 2022, securing a full term as California’s Attorney General. Whether this donation will resurface as a political liability remains to be seen.
For now, the controversy underscores a reality of American politics: money and power are deeply intertwined, and in some cases, the lines between them can get blurry.