Campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures by gaming interests, tribal and non-tribal, have increased more than 27-fold since 1990, The Chicago Tribune reports.

In 1990, gaming interests contributed $478,000 to politicians, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. In 2004, they made more than $13 million in donations.

Lobbying expenditures by gaming interests have doubled in six years, according to the Center for Public Integrity. In 1998, expenditures were $6.1 million. In 2004, they were $11.4 million.

Republicans are increasingly becoming the beneficiaries of the money despite opposition from the Christian and right wing factions of the party. Republicans with casinos and gaming facilities in their districts now find themselves tied to the industry.

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