Meetings & Information




*****************************
****************************************************
MUST READ:
GET THE FACTS!






Friday, October 18, 2013

Bethlehem Sands Promotes Absolving Themselves of Responsibility


Massachusetts ‘Gaming’ Future

Before our Gaming bill passed in 2004, I was asked to testify at the Joint Public Hearings on casino gambling held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. It was on April 1st, April Fool’s Day, couldn't have picked a better day to discuss “Casino Gambling.” That day I brought up my safeguards in hope that our lawmakers would put them in our Gaming Law. Things like No 24/7 Gambling, No Free Booze, No Smoking, No Check Cashing, No Interest Free Credit, No Free Play, No Comps and making casino operators send Casino Monthly Statements to those enrolled in casino reward card programs. Those enrolled in these programs account for 85 to 90% of the casinos patron base. I also mentioned that day that instead of our casinos issuing reward cards they shou
ld issue casino gambling licenses similar to our state drivers licenses. And before issuing these licenses they should pull their patrons credit reports to make sure they’re not in any financial difficulties. People who are in bankruptcy, foreclosure or late with child-support payments should not be gambling for entertainment.
 
These licenses would help those already buried in debt and they would make it extremely hard for those underage gamblers. None of my safeguards ever got put into our Gaming Law, but my monthly casino statement safeguard has been put forth in our House and Senate the last four sessions, hopefully in will become the law.

The Morning Call - October 15, 2013 - Bethlehem Sands casino wants stiffer penalties for underage gamblers. Revoke violators' driving privileges, casino's president says at Bethlehem hearing.

Sands President Robert DeSalvio said Tuesday he would like to see heavier penalties for underage gamblers at his Bethlehem casino.

DeSalvio, during a license renewal hearing at Bethlehem City Hall, said he would like state legislators to pass a law that would hit underage gamblers with a one-year loss of their driving license for trying to enter any Pennsylvania casino to gamble.

Sands last month was fined $56,000 by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for four incidents this year in which people were able to get into the casino and gamble before they were 21 years old.

That, DeSalvio said, is offset by the more than 7,000 underage people who have been turned away from the casino this year.

"It's a technology arms race and the fakes are getting better," DeSalvio said. "I think for a first offense, a person should lose their license for a year. I think that would be an excellent deterrent."

Read more:
http://articles.mcall.com/2013-10-15/news/mc-bethlehem-sands-casino-renewal-20131015_1_underage-gamblers-bethlehem-sands-gaming-license
See More

No comments: