WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sheldon Adelson, who builds upscale casino resorts, is pushing for Congress to ban Internet gambling. In this, he’s practically alone, as many of competitors, including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, are for regulated, online betting, the Washington Post reports.

Adelson pointed out that Internet betting hurts society and could negatively impact onsite gambling — a message that he’s taking to the American public in a marketing campaign designed to show the dangers of online gambling. Thus far, only three states — Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada — have legalized Internet gambling, but 12 others, such as California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, more will likely discuss it in 2014.

Early next year, Adelson will launch the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, which will consist of children advocate groups and other organizations concerned about the potential harm of online betting. This is a battle that has consumed Adelson. “In my 15 years of working with him, I don’t think I have ever seen him this passionate about any issue,” said Andy Abboud, a top political advisor for the billionaire.

With Adelson ramping up opposition to Internet gambling, pro-online betting groups are marshalling their troops for a counterattack. “We don’t make a habit of picking fights with billionaires,” said John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance. “But in this case, I think we’ll win, because millions of Americans who want to play online will oppose this legislation, along with dozens and dozens of states that want the freedom to authorize any kind of gaming they see fit.”

Whatever the outcome, Adelson and his billions will likely push Internet gambling into the public eye. States started to embrace online betting in 2011, when the U.S. Department of Justice clarified a federal rule that allowed numerous forms of gambling to take place via the Internet.