Gaming Industry Backs Lombardo in Nevada Governor Race

In Nevada this Tuesday, voters will cast ballots in the governor's race between incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic candidate Aaron Ford. The race in the largest gaming market in the United States is going down to the wire, and the industry will be watching the outcome closely.

Ford's odds on Kalshi and Polymarket have risen since early October and climbed above 75 percent in recent weeks. Polls, however, are more balanced. In MS NOW's Friday data, Ford led slightly, 45 percent to 44 percent. In a October 6 poll by Noble Predictive Insights, Lombardo led 42 percent to 40 percent.

Lombardo has a clear financial advantage. According to Nevada state election office data, between January 1 and September 30 he received 6.1 million dollars in direct donations and spent 12.4 million dollars. Ford's donations totaled 4.9 million dollars and his spending was 5.2 million dollars. Gaming-linked donors also sent millions to committees supporting Lombardo.

Lombardo appears to take a business-friendly approach to governing, and gaming regulators removed several old rules at his direction. In August he received Trump's endorsement in Las Vegas. However, his remark that he has to 'look after' gaming billionaires was criticized by the Ford campaign in the context of rising fuel prices.

Ford, for his part, has the backing of labor unions such as Culinary Union Local 226. He also stands out as a leading voice in the fight against prediction markets.