The Tyrant Billionaire

"Governor Madison, the reason I'm here today is to express that if the vote passes, I hope the lottery business will be handed to the Hardy Group. You know that Hardy Group runs the best gambling operations in Las Vegas, and we also own ABC Television, giving us a distinct advantage in managing lotteries."

Lottery businesses in the U.S. are not private enterprises. In every state where lotteries are allowed, the business is run by the state government, which then authorizes lottery companies to manage the operations. If Nevada passes this proposal, it will follow the same model.

Lottery companies, after covering operating costs, typically earn about 5% of the total revenue. If there are two draws per week, each with $1 million in bets, the total annual revenue would be around $104 million.

This would mean $5.2 million for the lottery company.

Is that a small amount?

Some might think so, considering the substantial investment. But this is just a conservative estimate—you can't only look at short-term profits when running a business.

After securing Nevada's lottery rights, Hardy's company would have a stepping stone to push other states to open their lotteries. Once more states allow it, the sales figures will naturally increase.

In the future, lottery sales in the U.S. could reach $80 billion annually.

With this figure, the 5% profit margin would amount to $4 billion. More importantly, the lottery company would control a vast sum of capital.

It's the same principle Hardy once discussed with Sam Walton: when you control a large amount of cash, even bankers will beg to work with you. And since Hardy himself owns a bank, he knows the importance of liquidity.

Governor Madison was well aware of Hardy's intentions. In fact, he knew that the legislator who proposed the bill, Anthony, was someone Hardy had enlisted.

Nevada is a very barren state—it lacks resources and industries. If they hadn't been pushed to the brink, they wouldn't have resorted to legalizing gambling. It was simply because they had no other options.

Now, Las Vegas casinos are Nevada's largest source of fiscal revenue, and the Hardy Hotel is the biggest contributor. Beyond that, the Venetian and Caesar's Palace, which are under construction, are million-dollar investments. The Nevada state government was thrilled at the time.

Since both of these casinos were Hardy's projects, nobody in Nevada dared refuse Hardy's requests.

Governor Madison smiled and said, "I certainly believe in the Hardy Group's strength. I'm confident that if the Hardy Group runs this business, it will be successful. If the proposal passes, I will seriously consider the Hardy Group—for the sake of Nevada's economy."

They reached a mutual agreement.

Hardy didn't directly mention any bribes or payouts—such things were understood without needing to be spoken. Corruption and bribery were heavily policed in the U.S. Some politicians who accept as little as a few thousand dollars face serious consequences.
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So, few people openly accept bribes these days.

But that doesn't mean corruption has disappeared; it's just more discreet now.

Today, Governor Madison helped Hardy, and in the future, if the governor came to Hardy for support—whether to help with his re-election or a bid for Congress—Hardy would be obliged to assist. Hardy, as a major benefactor, could singlehandedly fund a political campaign.

Is campaign funding money?

Of course, it is.

For instance, if the governor had family businesses, both sides could engage in commercial collaborations, completing a few transactions, and the money would naturally flow.

There are no regulations in the U.S. prohibiting governors or legislators from conducting business.

In fact, many are businesspeople themselves. There are too many examples to count of people running for Congress, state governor, mayor, or even president after becoming wealthy. Former President Trump is a prime example.

Politics and business are closely linked—it's perfectly normal.

Some say that the U.S. isn't a society based on personal relationships. That's wrong. In fact, networking is even more pronounced here, and it has its own set of rules.

If someone helps you and you don't return the favor when they come to you, you're finished. Your reputation will be tarnished, and it will be much harder to get things done in the future.

After his conversation with Governor Madison, Hardy didn't stay long before heading to Fort Belvoir in Virginia, a U.S. Army logistics base.

He was there to meet Major General Williams.

Before coming, Hardy had called General Williams, who had invited him to dinner at his home. The two were now partners and had a close relationship.

But Hardy declined.

"Let's find a golf course instead. The one we went to last time was nice."

General Williams immediately realized that Hardy didn't want a social call—he had something important to discuss.

"No problem, I'll book the course."

At the golf course,

Hardy took the first swing with a long drive. The two of them, without any attendants, slowly walked toward the ball with their clubs in hand.

"General, when President Johnson was inaugurated, I attended and met Secretary Marshall. We had a good conversation, and the next day, I visited the Pentagon to discuss the security company business." Hardy said.

General Williams glanced at Hardy, quietly reflecting.

These wealthy magnates were far more formidable than those of us in the military. Supporting President Johnson's rise to power, it was now common knowledge that Hardy was Johnson's biggest financial backer, with immense influence over the president.

Thanks to President Johnson, Hardy also had access to the top ranks of the military, building connections that were thousands of times easier than those climbing from the grassroots, like himself.

Hardy looked at Major General Williams and suddenly asked, "General, would you be interested in the position of the Logistics Director?"

General Williams was stunned.

Interested? Did that even need to be asked?

Of course, he was very interested.

Thinking of something, Williams became slightly excited and said, "Hardy, are you saying...?"

"I'm saying, do you need me to help you make it happen? I'm about to meet the president and Secretary Marshall," Hardy replied.