Biddeford voters say ‘yes’ to racino
BIDDEFORD — By a large majority, Biddeford voters showed their support for the proposed Biddeford Downs Racino at the ballot box Tuesday.
With a turnout of 58 percent, voters endorsed the plan for a slot machine parlor and harness racing track by a margin of nearly 3-2. The plan still requires a contract with the city and regulatory and legislative approvals.
“I’m very pleased,” said Mayor Joanne Twomey, who threw her support behind the proposal. “I’m pleased for harness racing, and I’m pleased for Biddeford.
“People need jobs,” she said, “that’s what resonated.”
City Manager John Bubier, who also advocated for the development, said, “I think it certainly goes to the point that people are concerned about the economy and concerned about jobs.”
Bubier said he was pleased that a large majority approved the issue. The vote was 4,636 to 3,244 in favor of the racino. With a smaller approval rate, said Bubier, it might have been more difficult to move forward with the racino proposal.
He credited the mayor’s support and her hard work on the issue as a major reason voters approved the racino question. The proposal calls for building a facility to include a racetrack, entertainment complex, hotel and slot machines. The proposed site is a 71-acre city-owned parcel on the Andrews Road.
It was in August, without public discussion, that the City Council approved putting the racino question on the November ballot.
Proponents said that a racino would bring needed jobs and revenue to Biddeford and was vital to preserving the harness racing industry in Maine.
Opponents said they were concerned about the rush to decide the issue and wanted more details. They also raised environmental concerns and questioned what the effect would be of a racino on the city’s downtown mill district.
Ocean Properties is partnering with Scarborough Downs on the proposed Biddeford Downs Racino.
“We will be creating more than 500 good-paying, full-time jobs, hundreds of construction jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the City of Biddeford and the state of Maine, while creating a wonderful destination that will celebrate Maine’s equestrian history,” said Tom Walsh, founder of Ocean Properties.
Scarborough Downs’ owner Sharon Terry said, “Partnering with Ocean Properties and the City of Biddeford on this project will save Maine harness racing and keep our industry robust. In addition, this project and harness racing are important in preserving open space and working family farms.
“I know I speak for thousands of Mainers on family farms associated with harness racing when I say, thank you to the residents of Biddeford.”
Twomey said this approval by city proposals is only the beginning. Negotiations will take place over contract details. Review by the Planning Board and regulatory approvals are also needed.
In addition, changes to state laws governing racinos are necessary.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Can Butera turn around Foxwoods' implosion?
Foxwoods' new CEO a 'turnaround artist'
By Brian Hallenbeck
Tribe looks to Butera for help in getting casino back on prosperous path
Mashantucket - Scott Butera, a former Wall Street investment banker and veteran casino executive with a reputation for rescuing troubled properties, including Donald Trump's, will get a chance to work his magic on Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council announced Friday afternoon that it had settled on Butera as Foxwoods' next president and chief executive officer, culminating a six-month search.
Butera, 43, will resign as president and CEO of Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment Inc., which emerged from bankruptcy in March. Now controlled by billionaire investor Carl C. Icahn, Tropicana owns nine casinos in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey. Tropicana hired Butera as president in March 2008 and named him CEO less than three months later.
Previously, Butera had been president, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., where he led a financial and operational restructuring of the company, which came out of bankruptcy in 2005.
Casino Connection, a magazine published for Atlantic City casino executives and employees, lauded Butera as a "turnaround artist" for his work with the Trump organization.
"We are thrilled to welcome Scott Butera as our new president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods," Rodney Butler, the tribal council chairman, said in a statement. "Mr. Butera is recognized as one of the most innovative business leaders in the gaming industry today. (He) is no stranger to economic adversity, and his track record of proven results will undoubtedly boost our team members with confidence as he steers Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods into a profitable and prosperous future."
Having defaulted on bond interest payments and a $700 million line of credit extended by a banking syndicate, the Mashantuckets, Foxwoods' owners, are seeking to restructure more than $2 billion in debt. The tribe and the banking syndicate are currently in a much-extended forbearance period set to expire Feb. 15, 2011. During forbearance, a lender agrees not to take action against a borrower who is in default.
The tribe's situation is complicated by its status as a sovereign nation, which, most observers believe, renders it ineligible for bankruptcy protection from creditors.
As Foxwoods' president and CEO, Butera will oversee the casino's day-to-day operation, property marketing and development of executive staff, "and will advise the tribal council as to strategic direction, financial performance and other pertinent developments," the council said in its announcement.
Attempts to reach Butera, whose resignation from Tropicana was announced Thursday, were unsuccessful. He is expected to remain with Tropicana until his successor is named.
At Foxwoods, Butera will replace William Sherlock, who was named interim president in June. Sherlock, who served as Foxwoods' president and CEO from 2000 to 2006, replaced Michael Speller, whose tenure as president lasted 18 months. Sherlock will remain at Foxwoods through the end of December and thereafter will be available to Foxwoods as an adviser, Butler, the tribal chairman, said.
Butera also served previously as an executive director for UBS Investment Bank, capping a 15-year career as a Wall Street investment banker focused on the gaming, lodging and real estate industries.
He holds a master's degree in business administration from New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and is a 1988 graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, where he serves on the Board of Fellows, which advises the college's administration and trustees.
"I think he's well-respected in the industry," said Jane Pedreira, a senior vice president at FBR Capital Markets, a New York investment bank. "He knows how to deal with banks and has experience with restructuring people and bondholders.
"And this (Foxwoods) is a very complicated restructuring."
By Brian Hallenbeck
Tribe looks to Butera for help in getting casino back on prosperous path
Mashantucket - Scott Butera, a former Wall Street investment banker and veteran casino executive with a reputation for rescuing troubled properties, including Donald Trump's, will get a chance to work his magic on Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council announced Friday afternoon that it had settled on Butera as Foxwoods' next president and chief executive officer, culminating a six-month search.
Butera, 43, will resign as president and CEO of Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment Inc., which emerged from bankruptcy in March. Now controlled by billionaire investor Carl C. Icahn, Tropicana owns nine casinos in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey. Tropicana hired Butera as president in March 2008 and named him CEO less than three months later.
Previously, Butera had been president, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., where he led a financial and operational restructuring of the company, which came out of bankruptcy in 2005.
Casino Connection, a magazine published for Atlantic City casino executives and employees, lauded Butera as a "turnaround artist" for his work with the Trump organization.
"We are thrilled to welcome Scott Butera as our new president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods," Rodney Butler, the tribal council chairman, said in a statement. "Mr. Butera is recognized as one of the most innovative business leaders in the gaming industry today. (He) is no stranger to economic adversity, and his track record of proven results will undoubtedly boost our team members with confidence as he steers Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods into a profitable and prosperous future."
Having defaulted on bond interest payments and a $700 million line of credit extended by a banking syndicate, the Mashantuckets, Foxwoods' owners, are seeking to restructure more than $2 billion in debt. The tribe and the banking syndicate are currently in a much-extended forbearance period set to expire Feb. 15, 2011. During forbearance, a lender agrees not to take action against a borrower who is in default.
The tribe's situation is complicated by its status as a sovereign nation, which, most observers believe, renders it ineligible for bankruptcy protection from creditors.
As Foxwoods' president and CEO, Butera will oversee the casino's day-to-day operation, property marketing and development of executive staff, "and will advise the tribal council as to strategic direction, financial performance and other pertinent developments," the council said in its announcement.
Attempts to reach Butera, whose resignation from Tropicana was announced Thursday, were unsuccessful. He is expected to remain with Tropicana until his successor is named.
At Foxwoods, Butera will replace William Sherlock, who was named interim president in June. Sherlock, who served as Foxwoods' president and CEO from 2000 to 2006, replaced Michael Speller, whose tenure as president lasted 18 months. Sherlock will remain at Foxwoods through the end of December and thereafter will be available to Foxwoods as an adviser, Butler, the tribal chairman, said.
Butera also served previously as an executive director for UBS Investment Bank, capping a 15-year career as a Wall Street investment banker focused on the gaming, lodging and real estate industries.
He holds a master's degree in business administration from New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and is a 1988 graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, where he serves on the Board of Fellows, which advises the college's administration and trustees.
"I think he's well-respected in the industry," said Jane Pedreira, a senior vice president at FBR Capital Markets, a New York investment bank. "He knows how to deal with banks and has experience with restructuring people and bondholders.
"And this (Foxwoods) is a very complicated restructuring."
Gambling Addiction: Bank Robbery
Guilty plea from man who robbed St. Cloud bank
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune
A 23-year-old man has admitted that while a college student in the spring he robbed a St. Cloud bank and tried to launder the dye-stained cash through casino slot machines.
Salamo Nam Rakotojoelinandrasana pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Duluth to robbing a TCF Bank branch at 200 25th Av. S. on May 5 of $6,053.
According to a law enforcement affidavit:
Rakotojoelinandrasana displayed a handgun, demanded money and fled with the cash and a concealed dye pack.
Five days later, he was arrested after he was seen inserting dye-stained money into slot machines at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. A search of his residence turned up clothing identical to what the robber wore. Officers also found $2,304 in dye-stained cash. An air pistol was recovered from his vehicle.
A St. Cloud State University spokesman said Rakotojoelinandrasana was a junior and was enrolled as a half-time student at the time of the robbery.
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune
A 23-year-old man has admitted that while a college student in the spring he robbed a St. Cloud bank and tried to launder the dye-stained cash through casino slot machines.
Salamo Nam Rakotojoelinandrasana pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Duluth to robbing a TCF Bank branch at 200 25th Av. S. on May 5 of $6,053.
According to a law enforcement affidavit:
Rakotojoelinandrasana displayed a handgun, demanded money and fled with the cash and a concealed dye pack.
Five days later, he was arrested after he was seen inserting dye-stained money into slot machines at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. A search of his residence turned up clothing identical to what the robber wore. Officers also found $2,304 in dye-stained cash. An air pistol was recovered from his vehicle.
A St. Cloud State University spokesman said Rakotojoelinandrasana was a junior and was enrolled as a half-time student at the time of the robbery.
Fewer Atlantic City casino-goers
Fewer Atlantic City casino-goers but they're upping the ante for hotels, drinks, food
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Finally, some good news after four years of slumping revenues: Even though fewer people are coming to the nation's second-largest gambling resort, they're spending more cash on things that don't involve gambling.
Spending on hotel rooms, meals, concerts and nightclubs has increased even as the gambling take has dropped for Atlantic City's 11 casinos, where the number of total visitors fell from 34,534,000 in 2006 to 30,381,000 last year.
The amount of money gamblers have lost at slot machines and card and roulette tables is down 23 percent since 2007, according to a study by Gaming Industry Observer, a publication by Spectrum Gaming Group, an Atlantic City-area casino consulting firm. But gamblers' spending on hotel rooms is up 21 percent and food and drink is up 6 percent.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Finally, some good news after four years of slumping revenues: Even though fewer people are coming to the nation's second-largest gambling resort, they're spending more cash on things that don't involve gambling.
Spending on hotel rooms, meals, concerts and nightclubs has increased even as the gambling take has dropped for Atlantic City's 11 casinos, where the number of total visitors fell from 34,534,000 in 2006 to 30,381,000 last year.
The amount of money gamblers have lost at slot machines and card and roulette tables is down 23 percent since 2007, according to a study by Gaming Industry Observer, a publication by Spectrum Gaming Group, an Atlantic City-area casino consulting firm. But gamblers' spending on hotel rooms is up 21 percent and food and drink is up 6 percent.
MGM picks reputed China crime family over N.J.
MGM picks reputed China crime family over N.J.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Faced with cutting its ties to an alleged organized-crime family in China or a selling its interest in an Atlantic City casino, MGM Resorts International is saying goodbye to New Jersey.
On Thursday, MGM closed a $73 million sale of its land under Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to Vornado Realty Trust and Geyser Holdings.
MGM is selling its half ownership in the Borgata to an unidentified bidder for more than $250 million.
The company acted after an ultimatum from New Jersey casino regulators that it sell its stake in Atlantic City's top casino or cut ties with Pansy Ho, its partner in a casino in the Chinese enclave of Macau.
Ho's father, Stanley Ho, has long been accused of ties to Chinese organized crime, which he denies. MGM chose to keep its relationship with Ho and walk away from the Borgata.
Considered the father of modern gambling in China, Stanley Ho lets criminal gangs "operate and thrive" inside his casinos, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said in a report issued to the casino in May 2009 and made public last March. The division found that Pansy Ho, his daughter, is dependent on him and his money and remains under his influence.
The regulators concluded that Pansy Ho is an "unsuitable" business partner of MGM in Macau.
The company admits no wrongdoing and says it has a "spotless record" operating the MGM Grand Macau with Pansy Ho.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Faced with cutting its ties to an alleged organized-crime family in China or a selling its interest in an Atlantic City casino, MGM Resorts International is saying goodbye to New Jersey.
On Thursday, MGM closed a $73 million sale of its land under Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to Vornado Realty Trust and Geyser Holdings.
MGM is selling its half ownership in the Borgata to an unidentified bidder for more than $250 million.
The company acted after an ultimatum from New Jersey casino regulators that it sell its stake in Atlantic City's top casino or cut ties with Pansy Ho, its partner in a casino in the Chinese enclave of Macau.
Ho's father, Stanley Ho, has long been accused of ties to Chinese organized crime, which he denies. MGM chose to keep its relationship with Ho and walk away from the Borgata.
Considered the father of modern gambling in China, Stanley Ho lets criminal gangs "operate and thrive" inside his casinos, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said in a report issued to the casino in May 2009 and made public last March. The division found that Pansy Ho, his daughter, is dependent on him and his money and remains under his influence.
The regulators concluded that Pansy Ho is an "unsuitable" business partner of MGM in Macau.
The company admits no wrongdoing and says it has a "spotless record" operating the MGM Grand Macau with Pansy Ho.
Michigan: Bay Mills, A Tribe with a grand sense of humor!
How grand and glorious! Finally a Slot Barn called a "Resort Casino"!
After all, why waste money on glamorous surroundings, elegant restaurants and pretense when the intent is merely to suck money out of the local economy? Simply a reverse ATM machine!
At least they offer coffee. Wonder if it's free.
After all, why waste money on glamorous surroundings, elegant restaurants and pretense when the intent is merely to suck money out of the local economy? Simply a reverse ATM machine!
At least they offer coffee. Wonder if it's free.
State Investigating New Otsego County Casino [video available at link]
Just two days after opening, the Attorney General's office is investigating a small Otsego County casino.
The Bay Mills Indian Community officially opened the new casino in Vanderbilt Wednesday.
The tribe says it's their right to operate a casino there, but other Michigan tribes, and the state government, aren't so sure.
The state says they were aware of the tribe's theory that by using special federal funds to buy the land, they had a right to open a gaming operation there.
But the governor's tribal advisor says they didn't wait until the department of interior signed off on that plan.
A meeting between the state and tribe is set for next week.
Beacon Hill might be wise to heed
The Casino Vultures refusing to take "NO" for an answer, finally succeeded on their 5Th attempt to legalize Slot Barns in Ohio, barely eking out a win from their $50 million investment. With projected state revenues of $600 million, the investors' profits would be far higher, so it was money well spent.
The legislation was flawed, as is the norm, and no independent cost benefit analysis was conducted, much like Beacon Hill. At this late date, the best that can be offered are 'estimates' of start-up and regulatory costs.
As for funding Ohio’s regulatory duties, the Department of Taxation analysis estimated the Casino Control Commission’s start up expenses at $5 million, with an annual budget of about $14 million once the agency is fully operational. Three percent of the tax collected on gross casino revenue – totaling an estimated $600 million annually once the casinos are fully operational – will cover commission expenses.
“That’s probably ambitious at this point,” Saxbe said. “It’s just a plugged-in number.”
Noteworthy in this discussion is the lag time from voter approval to job creation and revenue stream. Beacon Hill has misrepresented their flawed legislation as an immediate solution, when in fact, it's not.
A federal report determined that every $1 in gambling revenue costs $3.
No wonder elected officials are salivating at the prospect!
Casino commission's hiring spree to begin
The commission charged with overseeing Ohio’s new casino industry is starting down the path of creating a staff whose job will be ensuring everything is on the up-and-up at the gambling facilities.
The new Ohio Casino Control Commission will need about 160 employees to do that job once the casinos in Columbus, Toledo, Cleveland and Cincinnati start coming online in 2012, according to an analysis by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
The goal, said Commission Chairman Charles “Rocky” Saxbe, is to find the best people for state jobs that will include gaming administrators, auditors, accountants, legal staff and law enforcement officers.
“We want the right people and right systems in place before the first dollar is wagered,” said Saxbe, a partner in the Columbus law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe LLP.
But the hiring process will be challenging given the tight time frame to pull together and train the staff, uncertainty over the commission’s funding and political issues involving the pending confirmation of commission members by the Ohio Senate.
Created as part of the voter-approved 2009 constitutional amendment allowing Ohio’s first casinos, the commission will license and regulate casino gaming, operators, management companies, employees and vendors.
The seven commission members were appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland last month – as required by state law. They held their first meeting Oct. 25 and will hold a roundtable discussion with key state legislators Nov. 8, Saxbe said.
One of the commission’s first tasks is to hire an executive director and top staff members. They will help commission members fill the other staff positions, which are expected to number 35 in the agency’s first year of operation. The rest of the jobs would come in 2012 with gaming control employees in place at each of the casinos.
Based on a review of the casino regulatory agencies in Indiana and Michigan, a 2009 analysis by the Ohio Department of Taxation said the Ohio commission will need 41 employees to enforce criminal laws for gaming, 41 to enforce regulatory statutes and 21 to investigate financial and background issues with casino suppliers and employees.
The commission’s staff also would include 19 employees in auditing services, 16 in central administrative support positions, eight in legal services and four in gaming lab services, the analysis said.
Transparency, credibility
States new to casino gambling typically fill many of their gaming commission positions with workers from in-state agencies that regulate liquor sales, lottery operations, horse racing and business licensing, said Robert Russell, a gaming industry analyst with Regulatory Management Counselors P.C. in East Lansing, Mich.
There also are consultants experienced in the licensing and regulation of casinos who can be hired, he said, and Ohio may also want to recruit employees from gaming boards in other states in what has become a maturing industry.
The success of casino regulatory bodies in other states can serve as a benchmark for Ohio, said Fredric Gushin, a former casino enforcement official for New Jersey and managing director of Spectrum Gaming Group, a gaming research and services firm in Linwood, N.J.
“The important thing,” Gushin said, “is that everything is done as transparently as possible and with a high degree of credibility. Public confidence in the regulatory process is the key element of success.”
As for funding Ohio’s regulatory duties, the Department of Taxation analysis estimated the Casino Control Commission’s startup expenses at $5 million, with an annual budget of about $14 million once the agency is fully operational. Three percent of the tax collected on gross casino revenue – totaling an estimated $600 million annually once the casinos are fully operational – will cover commission expenses.
“That’s probably ambitious at this point,” Saxbe said. “It’s just a plugged-in number.”
Election effect
It is unclear from where the commission’s startup funding will come because it will be operating before the casinos open and considering that the constitutional amendment did not address the issue. Tapping the state’s general revenue fund is a possibility, according to the Department of Taxation analysis.
Also unclear is whether Strickland’s appointees to the commission will be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Under state law, the Senate has until the end of the year to confirm any or all of the commission members.
If it fails to act by then, the appointments are automatically confirmed, Saxbe said.
And, it’s up in the air what effect Republican John Kasich’s victory over Strickland in the Nov. 2 governor’s race will have on the appointment process.
One possibility is for Senate Republicans to reject Strickland’s choices so Kasich can have a say on the people who will shape the state’s casino regulatory structure in the coming year.
Saxbe is a Republican, but he backed Strickland in the 2006 governor’s campaign.
“We’re running as best we can now,” he said, “and will continue to do so until someone tells us to stop.”
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Here are the seven members of the commission, the state agency that will oversee the regulation and operation of casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati:
Charles “Rocky” Saxbe: of Columbus, a partner in the law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe LLP.
Joseph Rugola: of Columbus, executive director of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees.
Vanessa Whiting: of Cleveland Heights, a partner in the law firm of Roetzel & Andress LPA.
Jerry Chabler: of Sylvania, a member of the board of directors for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and former member of the Ohio State Racing and Lottery commissions.
William Kirkham: of Cincinnati, an attorney at the law firm of Frost Brown Todd LLC.
John Wainscott: of Cincinnati, a retired city of Cincinnati police officer.
Greta Russell: of Columbus, a controller at Ohio State University and certified public accountant.
The legislation was flawed, as is the norm, and no independent cost benefit analysis was conducted, much like Beacon Hill. At this late date, the best that can be offered are 'estimates' of start-up and regulatory costs.
As for funding Ohio’s regulatory duties, the Department of Taxation analysis estimated the Casino Control Commission’s start up expenses at $5 million, with an annual budget of about $14 million once the agency is fully operational. Three percent of the tax collected on gross casino revenue – totaling an estimated $600 million annually once the casinos are fully operational – will cover commission expenses.
“That’s probably ambitious at this point,” Saxbe said. “It’s just a plugged-in number.”
Noteworthy in this discussion is the lag time from voter approval to job creation and revenue stream. Beacon Hill has misrepresented their flawed legislation as an immediate solution, when in fact, it's not.
A federal report determined that every $1 in gambling revenue costs $3.
No wonder elected officials are salivating at the prospect!
Casino commission's hiring spree to begin
The commission charged with overseeing Ohio’s new casino industry is starting down the path of creating a staff whose job will be ensuring everything is on the up-and-up at the gambling facilities.
The new Ohio Casino Control Commission will need about 160 employees to do that job once the casinos in Columbus, Toledo, Cleveland and Cincinnati start coming online in 2012, according to an analysis by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
The goal, said Commission Chairman Charles “Rocky” Saxbe, is to find the best people for state jobs that will include gaming administrators, auditors, accountants, legal staff and law enforcement officers.
“We want the right people and right systems in place before the first dollar is wagered,” said Saxbe, a partner in the Columbus law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe LLP.
But the hiring process will be challenging given the tight time frame to pull together and train the staff, uncertainty over the commission’s funding and political issues involving the pending confirmation of commission members by the Ohio Senate.
Created as part of the voter-approved 2009 constitutional amendment allowing Ohio’s first casinos, the commission will license and regulate casino gaming, operators, management companies, employees and vendors.
The seven commission members were appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland last month – as required by state law. They held their first meeting Oct. 25 and will hold a roundtable discussion with key state legislators Nov. 8, Saxbe said.
One of the commission’s first tasks is to hire an executive director and top staff members. They will help commission members fill the other staff positions, which are expected to number 35 in the agency’s first year of operation. The rest of the jobs would come in 2012 with gaming control employees in place at each of the casinos.
Based on a review of the casino regulatory agencies in Indiana and Michigan, a 2009 analysis by the Ohio Department of Taxation said the Ohio commission will need 41 employees to enforce criminal laws for gaming, 41 to enforce regulatory statutes and 21 to investigate financial and background issues with casino suppliers and employees.
The commission’s staff also would include 19 employees in auditing services, 16 in central administrative support positions, eight in legal services and four in gaming lab services, the analysis said.
Transparency, credibility
States new to casino gambling typically fill many of their gaming commission positions with workers from in-state agencies that regulate liquor sales, lottery operations, horse racing and business licensing, said Robert Russell, a gaming industry analyst with Regulatory Management Counselors P.C. in East Lansing, Mich.
There also are consultants experienced in the licensing and regulation of casinos who can be hired, he said, and Ohio may also want to recruit employees from gaming boards in other states in what has become a maturing industry.
The success of casino regulatory bodies in other states can serve as a benchmark for Ohio, said Fredric Gushin, a former casino enforcement official for New Jersey and managing director of Spectrum Gaming Group, a gaming research and services firm in Linwood, N.J.
“The important thing,” Gushin said, “is that everything is done as transparently as possible and with a high degree of credibility. Public confidence in the regulatory process is the key element of success.”
As for funding Ohio’s regulatory duties, the Department of Taxation analysis estimated the Casino Control Commission’s startup expenses at $5 million, with an annual budget of about $14 million once the agency is fully operational. Three percent of the tax collected on gross casino revenue – totaling an estimated $600 million annually once the casinos are fully operational – will cover commission expenses.
“That’s probably ambitious at this point,” Saxbe said. “It’s just a plugged-in number.”
Election effect
It is unclear from where the commission’s startup funding will come because it will be operating before the casinos open and considering that the constitutional amendment did not address the issue. Tapping the state’s general revenue fund is a possibility, according to the Department of Taxation analysis.
Also unclear is whether Strickland’s appointees to the commission will be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Under state law, the Senate has until the end of the year to confirm any or all of the commission members.
If it fails to act by then, the appointments are automatically confirmed, Saxbe said.
And, it’s up in the air what effect Republican John Kasich’s victory over Strickland in the Nov. 2 governor’s race will have on the appointment process.
One possibility is for Senate Republicans to reject Strickland’s choices so Kasich can have a say on the people who will shape the state’s casino regulatory structure in the coming year.
Saxbe is a Republican, but he backed Strickland in the 2006 governor’s campaign.
“We’re running as best we can now,” he said, “and will continue to do so until someone tells us to stop.”
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Here are the seven members of the commission, the state agency that will oversee the regulation and operation of casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati:
Charles “Rocky” Saxbe: of Columbus, a partner in the law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe LLP.
Joseph Rugola: of Columbus, executive director of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees.
Vanessa Whiting: of Cleveland Heights, a partner in the law firm of Roetzel & Andress LPA.
Jerry Chabler: of Sylvania, a member of the board of directors for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and former member of the Ohio State Racing and Lottery commissions.
William Kirkham: of Cincinnati, an attorney at the law firm of Frost Brown Todd LLC.
John Wainscott: of Cincinnati, a retired city of Cincinnati police officer.
Greta Russell: of Columbus, a controller at Ohio State University and certified public accountant.
Michigan: Tribal Slot Barn
Tribal casino in Mich. site draws legal scrutiny
LANSING, Mich.
The opening of a casino in northern Michigan this week by the Bay Mills Indian Community is raising legal questions over where tribes are allowed to open new gaming locations.
Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, said state officials will meet with Bay Mills officials next week to discuss the new casino in Vanderbilt.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration is "deeply concerned" about the casino opening, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said, in part because it isn't on the tribe's reservation.
"There are substantial questions about whether the tribe in fact can legally conduct gaming on this property," Boyd said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We are dismayed that the tribe would open an off-reservation gaming facility without first resolving these substantial legal issues."
Other Michigan-based tribes issued a statement this week saying the new casino, which has roughly 40 slot machines, should be shut down.
The tribes, some of which run casinos that would compete with the new site, say it's an attempt to conduct gaming in the absence of trust land in violation of federal law. The competing tribes said it also violates Michigan gaming compacts that require consent from all tribes to pursue gambling on non-reservation lands.
Bay Mills runs two casinos in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the tribe is based. The Vanderbilt casino is in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, about 170 miles north of Lansing.
A report in the Bay Mills tribal newspaper says tribal members have been hunting elk in the Vanderbilt area since 2007, exercising off-reservation treaty rights. Bay Mills bought the land this summer.
Tribal leaders did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.
The other tribes that objected to the new casino were the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Gun Lake Tribe of Pottawatomi Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
LANSING, Mich.
The opening of a casino in northern Michigan this week by the Bay Mills Indian Community is raising legal questions over where tribes are allowed to open new gaming locations.
Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, said state officials will meet with Bay Mills officials next week to discuss the new casino in Vanderbilt.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration is "deeply concerned" about the casino opening, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said, in part because it isn't on the tribe's reservation.
"There are substantial questions about whether the tribe in fact can legally conduct gaming on this property," Boyd said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We are dismayed that the tribe would open an off-reservation gaming facility without first resolving these substantial legal issues."
Other Michigan-based tribes issued a statement this week saying the new casino, which has roughly 40 slot machines, should be shut down.
The tribes, some of which run casinos that would compete with the new site, say it's an attempt to conduct gaming in the absence of trust land in violation of federal law. The competing tribes said it also violates Michigan gaming compacts that require consent from all tribes to pursue gambling on non-reservation lands.
Bay Mills runs two casinos in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the tribe is based. The Vanderbilt casino is in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, about 170 miles north of Lansing.
A report in the Bay Mills tribal newspaper says tribal members have been hunting elk in the Vanderbilt area since 2007, exercising off-reservation treaty rights. Bay Mills bought the land this summer.
Tribal leaders did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.
The other tribes that objected to the new casino were the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Gun Lake Tribe of Pottawatomi Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
Gambling Addiction in Dorm Room
Gambling Addiction Makes Its Way to the Dorm Room
Gambling is an addiction that is hard to shake when it gets ingrained into a person’s habits. This is especially true now that gambling venues are so easy to find and you don’t even have to leave the house. A Casino Gambling Web report focused on the growing number of college-aged students engaged in online poker games. Representatives are calling for online gambling regulations in the United States and reports of increased usage highlights this need.
In a report from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, it seems that gambling addiction is afflicting college-aged kids to the point that they are two times as likely to develop gambling problems as the general public.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act went into effect in 2006 and was supposed to curb online gambling. Its effect seems to be waning as online gamblers in the U.S. have only increased in the country since the law was enacted.
Regulating online poker appears to be a desired focus for Florida lawmakers as the state has one of the largest bases of Internet gamblers in the country. Playing poker is now considered a viable profession by a whole generation of kids.
While online gambling regulations have been discussed in the past, the biggest opposition was the assumption that it would drive college students to simply access gaming websites in their dorm rooms. Studies have shown that this is already happening and there is not current protection for students in terms of wager limits or verification of age. Without restrictions in place, students are developing addictions and parents are left to pay the bill.
Gambling is an addiction that is hard to shake when it gets ingrained into a person’s habits. This is especially true now that gambling venues are so easy to find and you don’t even have to leave the house. A Casino Gambling Web report focused on the growing number of college-aged students engaged in online poker games. Representatives are calling for online gambling regulations in the United States and reports of increased usage highlights this need.
In a report from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, it seems that gambling addiction is afflicting college-aged kids to the point that they are two times as likely to develop gambling problems as the general public.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act went into effect in 2006 and was supposed to curb online gambling. Its effect seems to be waning as online gamblers in the U.S. have only increased in the country since the law was enacted.
Regulating online poker appears to be a desired focus for Florida lawmakers as the state has one of the largest bases of Internet gamblers in the country. Playing poker is now considered a viable profession by a whole generation of kids.
While online gambling regulations have been discussed in the past, the biggest opposition was the assumption that it would drive college students to simply access gaming websites in their dorm rooms. Studies have shown that this is already happening and there is not current protection for students in terms of wager limits or verification of age. Without restrictions in place, students are developing addictions and parents are left to pay the bill.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gambling Addiction
Dealing with gambling addiction
No more family, no more job, no more money; most of us know that's what drug and alcohol addiction can lead to, but you may not realize gambling addiction can have the same devastating impact.
Arkansas' year old lottery is providing thousands of college students with scholarships, but the number of people seeking help for gambling is increasing too.
Two years ago, something terrible changed Stacy Kelly’s life forever.
"It was so overwhelming I couldn't cope in a healthy manner,” says Stacy.
Stacy loves three things, the outdoors, animals and her family. Naturally, the last is the most important for the mother of four. But when her 5-year-old son died in may 2008, she turned to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. When the lottery came along, she found a new escape.
"I get excited. I see motorcycles on some or lucky charms on another and I get overwhelmed. I want to purchase them,” says Stacy. “I felt like if I purchased the lottery tickets, it would be ok if I didn't have money to pay for certain things, so I would sacrifice things."
She sacrificed necessities like bills and food.
"I was just at my rock bottom. I wasn't able to pay my bills. People that I love were coming and confronting me,” says Stacy.
But she kept going. Soon her family cut her off and the Department of Human Services put her children in foster care because of her combined addictions.
"It cost me everything,” says Stacy.
"It triggers a lot of excitement in our brain," says Dr. Bill Wilson with Lakewood Behavioral Health.
Dr. Bill Wilson treats gambling addiction and says it's common to see patients with other addictions as well since gambling offers a high just like drugs or alcohol.
"They keep chasing after the money with the false belief that they can win and don't,” says Dr. Wilson.
Gambling is not new to Arkansas. Horses and dogs have raced for decades, we have casinos in border states, and internet gambling knows no bounds.
But after the lottery came along, the number of people seeking help for addiction did go up. In the nine months before the lottery, 139 people called the state gambling hotline for help. In the nine months afterward, 247 have called.
But Arkansas lawmakers have made sure there is money to deal with it. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery gives $200,000 a year to 11 clinics around the state for training and treatment to help people fight addictions.
"All gambling has a downside," says lawmaker Julie Baldridge. "Those people who can't control their impulses to spend more money than they should on any endeavor have an issue that needs to be addressed. We want them to seek help and we don't want their money."
Dr. Wilson treats the problem by getting addicts to adjust their unrealistic expectations about winning. That takes lots of counseling at places like The Freedom House in Russellville. It's one of the locations receiving funding and training therapists. In fact, Arkansas has more than a dozen gambling addiction experts now compared to just two before lottery funding came along.
"It’s a very difficult addiction to treat. But there is help and people do get well and do get sober," says Stacy.
The Freedom House is where Stacy Kelly stayed for a month and a half getting help for her gambling addiction. But not everyone takes the same step. In fact of the 30 people who call the hotline looking for help with their addictions each month, only two or three actually follow through.
Stacy has a message for all the others.
"There is hope for them, this is a very serious problem and it can't be arrested without help."
Because Stacy got help she now has custody of one of her children and she's working to get them all back, rebuilding the thing she loves the most, her family.
If you're jeopardizing your finances to gamble, if you're only happy when you're gambling or thinking about it, or if it starts to become more important to you than work or family, you may be a gambling addict.
You can call 1-800-522-4700 to be connected to a confidential, 24-hour, problem gambling hotline.
Warning signs of gambling addiction include:
•Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling.
•Have trouble controlling your gambling.
•Gamble even when you don’t have the money.
•Family and friends are worried about you.
No more family, no more job, no more money; most of us know that's what drug and alcohol addiction can lead to, but you may not realize gambling addiction can have the same devastating impact.
Arkansas' year old lottery is providing thousands of college students with scholarships, but the number of people seeking help for gambling is increasing too.
Two years ago, something terrible changed Stacy Kelly’s life forever.
"It was so overwhelming I couldn't cope in a healthy manner,” says Stacy.
Stacy loves three things, the outdoors, animals and her family. Naturally, the last is the most important for the mother of four. But when her 5-year-old son died in may 2008, she turned to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. When the lottery came along, she found a new escape.
"I get excited. I see motorcycles on some or lucky charms on another and I get overwhelmed. I want to purchase them,” says Stacy. “I felt like if I purchased the lottery tickets, it would be ok if I didn't have money to pay for certain things, so I would sacrifice things."
She sacrificed necessities like bills and food.
"I was just at my rock bottom. I wasn't able to pay my bills. People that I love were coming and confronting me,” says Stacy.
But she kept going. Soon her family cut her off and the Department of Human Services put her children in foster care because of her combined addictions.
"It cost me everything,” says Stacy.
"It triggers a lot of excitement in our brain," says Dr. Bill Wilson with Lakewood Behavioral Health.
Dr. Bill Wilson treats gambling addiction and says it's common to see patients with other addictions as well since gambling offers a high just like drugs or alcohol.
"They keep chasing after the money with the false belief that they can win and don't,” says Dr. Wilson.
Gambling is not new to Arkansas. Horses and dogs have raced for decades, we have casinos in border states, and internet gambling knows no bounds.
But after the lottery came along, the number of people seeking help for addiction did go up. In the nine months before the lottery, 139 people called the state gambling hotline for help. In the nine months afterward, 247 have called.
But Arkansas lawmakers have made sure there is money to deal with it. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery gives $200,000 a year to 11 clinics around the state for training and treatment to help people fight addictions.
"All gambling has a downside," says lawmaker Julie Baldridge. "Those people who can't control their impulses to spend more money than they should on any endeavor have an issue that needs to be addressed. We want them to seek help and we don't want their money."
Dr. Wilson treats the problem by getting addicts to adjust their unrealistic expectations about winning. That takes lots of counseling at places like The Freedom House in Russellville. It's one of the locations receiving funding and training therapists. In fact, Arkansas has more than a dozen gambling addiction experts now compared to just two before lottery funding came along.
"It’s a very difficult addiction to treat. But there is help and people do get well and do get sober," says Stacy.
The Freedom House is where Stacy Kelly stayed for a month and a half getting help for her gambling addiction. But not everyone takes the same step. In fact of the 30 people who call the hotline looking for help with their addictions each month, only two or three actually follow through.
Stacy has a message for all the others.
"There is hope for them, this is a very serious problem and it can't be arrested without help."
Because Stacy got help she now has custody of one of her children and she's working to get them all back, rebuilding the thing she loves the most, her family.
If you're jeopardizing your finances to gamble, if you're only happy when you're gambling or thinking about it, or if it starts to become more important to you than work or family, you may be a gambling addict.
You can call 1-800-522-4700 to be connected to a confidential, 24-hour, problem gambling hotline.
Warning signs of gambling addiction include:
•Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling.
•Have trouble controlling your gambling.
•Gamble even when you don’t have the money.
•Family and friends are worried about you.
Gambling Addiction
Doctor focuses on gambling addiction
Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA gambling studies program, says through his research that gambling is a serious public health issue that has placed an economic burden on the state.
In 2003, when Fong joined the UCLA faculty, the Office of Problem Gambling was first created within the state’s alcohol and drug program, and UCLA decided to initiate its program.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve really been working closely together both as partners from our academic side as well as from the state side and having cooperation from the gaming industry,” Fong said. “It’s really first to better understand what is the actual significance or public health impact of gambling addiction in California.”
Fong said California generates more money from gambling revenue than Nevada.
“Here in California, we have well over 150 different casinos, the state lottery, horse racing industry, card clubs and travel casinos, so at the end of the day, that generates roughly around $9 [billion] or $10 billion a year of gambling revenue just from our state alone.”
Fong also pointed out that the economy has taken a significant toll on gambling revenues: a 20 to 30 percent decline by the estimates that he has seen. Internet gambling, which is illegal in California and across the nation, is also an increasing problem that Fong has come across due to its 24-hour access and the ability to play multiple hands at once.
“I’d say about 30 to 40 percent of patients that come into our treatment program are primarily Internet gamblers,” Fong said. “I’ve had several patients that never actually stepped foot inside a casino, so it’s a tremendous area of growth not only economically, but unfortunately also from an addiction standpoint.”
UCLA’s program is researching what is different about the brains, lifestyles and psychology of people with gambling addictions to better understand how the disease starts and why its starts. The program is also trying to develop a treatment program that actually works and is testing the treatment to find some evidence-based way that helps people recover from their gaming problems, which is often a hidden addiction.
“People don’t ‘overdose’ gambling and end up dead, people don’t take guns and shoot themselves and shoot other people,” Fong said. “But when they do, it’s not listed as a problem that gambling had caused. It’s listed as gunshot wound to the head.”
Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA gambling studies program, says through his research that gambling is a serious public health issue that has placed an economic burden on the state.
In 2003, when Fong joined the UCLA faculty, the Office of Problem Gambling was first created within the state’s alcohol and drug program, and UCLA decided to initiate its program.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve really been working closely together both as partners from our academic side as well as from the state side and having cooperation from the gaming industry,” Fong said. “It’s really first to better understand what is the actual significance or public health impact of gambling addiction in California.”
Fong said California generates more money from gambling revenue than Nevada.
“Here in California, we have well over 150 different casinos, the state lottery, horse racing industry, card clubs and travel casinos, so at the end of the day, that generates roughly around $9 [billion] or $10 billion a year of gambling revenue just from our state alone.”
Fong also pointed out that the economy has taken a significant toll on gambling revenues: a 20 to 30 percent decline by the estimates that he has seen. Internet gambling, which is illegal in California and across the nation, is also an increasing problem that Fong has come across due to its 24-hour access and the ability to play multiple hands at once.
“I’d say about 30 to 40 percent of patients that come into our treatment program are primarily Internet gamblers,” Fong said. “I’ve had several patients that never actually stepped foot inside a casino, so it’s a tremendous area of growth not only economically, but unfortunately also from an addiction standpoint.”
UCLA’s program is researching what is different about the brains, lifestyles and psychology of people with gambling addictions to better understand how the disease starts and why its starts. The program is also trying to develop a treatment program that actually works and is testing the treatment to find some evidence-based way that helps people recover from their gaming problems, which is often a hidden addiction.
“People don’t ‘overdose’ gambling and end up dead, people don’t take guns and shoot themselves and shoot other people,” Fong said. “But when they do, it’s not listed as a problem that gambling had caused. It’s listed as gunshot wound to the head.”
Gambling Addict almost committed suicide
Ex-West Ham and Birmingham star Parris reveals gambling addiction almost killed him
Former West Ham and Birmingham City star George Parris will watch his old clubs do battle in the Premier League at St Andrews on Saturday - just grateful that he is still alive to see the game after a serious gambling addiction almost killed him.
The 46-year-old - who began his career at Upton Park in 1982 and made more than 200 appearances for the Hammers in an 11-year spell at Upton Park - is now well on the road to recovery after fighting a long battle that began when he moved to Birmingham in 1993.
But Parris admits he considered suicide after his addiction and mounting debts spiralled out of control in the late 90s. After another large bet on the horses lost, he walked out of a bookies in Sussex, where he still lives, and seriously considered ending it all.
He reveals: 'I drove up to Newhaven. I can remember looking out over the bridge there and thinking 'what do I do?'
'I couldn't see how I was going to get myself out of the big hole I was in. I'd begged and borrowed from everyone I knew and, yes, I did give serious thought to killing myself.
'I owed money to my closest friends and family and had nowhere else to go. But, thankfully, I pulled myself together and went home and confessed to my then wife that I'd lost every penny I had gambling.'
After attempting to confront his issue, Parris managed to take some steps on the road to recovery but, five years later, relapsed and hit an all-time low point...
'Desperate to have one more bet, I withdrew all the money from my young son's building society account. The bet lost, and it was the worst example of how my gambling had gripped me. I still live with the hurt of what I did,' said a tearful and remorseful Parris, who still attends regular counselling sessions at the Sporting Chance clinic founded by Tony Adams.
As part of his continuing rehabilitation, Parris has now decided to tell his amazing story in a new double DVD, produced by the publishers of retro West Ham magazine EX as, with remarkable honesty, he faces up to his demons and talks openly and from the heart about his gambling addiction.
In the four-hour production, Parris also provides an insight into his playing career in which he made 364 League appearances from 1985 until his unhappy farewell at Brighton & Hove Albion in 1997 . . . including the card schools, where he got his first ‘buzz' from gambling; what it was like playing for the Hammers' most successful team ever; and his thoughts on those he played with and for.
Parris will be signing copies of his new DVD when it is launched at the EX Magazine West Ham Retro Forum & Fair in Romford, Essex on Sunday.
Former West Ham and Birmingham City star George Parris will watch his old clubs do battle in the Premier League at St Andrews on Saturday - just grateful that he is still alive to see the game after a serious gambling addiction almost killed him.
The 46-year-old - who began his career at Upton Park in 1982 and made more than 200 appearances for the Hammers in an 11-year spell at Upton Park - is now well on the road to recovery after fighting a long battle that began when he moved to Birmingham in 1993.
But Parris admits he considered suicide after his addiction and mounting debts spiralled out of control in the late 90s. After another large bet on the horses lost, he walked out of a bookies in Sussex, where he still lives, and seriously considered ending it all.
He reveals: 'I drove up to Newhaven. I can remember looking out over the bridge there and thinking 'what do I do?'
'I couldn't see how I was going to get myself out of the big hole I was in. I'd begged and borrowed from everyone I knew and, yes, I did give serious thought to killing myself.
'I owed money to my closest friends and family and had nowhere else to go. But, thankfully, I pulled myself together and went home and confessed to my then wife that I'd lost every penny I had gambling.'
After attempting to confront his issue, Parris managed to take some steps on the road to recovery but, five years later, relapsed and hit an all-time low point...
'Desperate to have one more bet, I withdrew all the money from my young son's building society account. The bet lost, and it was the worst example of how my gambling had gripped me. I still live with the hurt of what I did,' said a tearful and remorseful Parris, who still attends regular counselling sessions at the Sporting Chance clinic founded by Tony Adams.
As part of his continuing rehabilitation, Parris has now decided to tell his amazing story in a new double DVD, produced by the publishers of retro West Ham magazine EX as, with remarkable honesty, he faces up to his demons and talks openly and from the heart about his gambling addiction.
In the four-hour production, Parris also provides an insight into his playing career in which he made 364 League appearances from 1985 until his unhappy farewell at Brighton & Hove Albion in 1997 . . . including the card schools, where he got his first ‘buzz' from gambling; what it was like playing for the Hammers' most successful team ever; and his thoughts on those he played with and for.
Parris will be signing copies of his new DVD when it is launched at the EX Magazine West Ham Retro Forum & Fair in Romford, Essex on Sunday.
Crime and Corruption: You expected what?
Arbib urges more cohesion in fight against gambling-driven corruption Chris Barrett
THE states and territories must work together and with federal crime-fighting bodies against match fixing, according to the federal Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib.
Arbib expects laws will be updated to help prevent corruption in sport. He met chief executives and officials from seven sports - rugby league and union, Australian football, soccer, tennis, cricket and netball - yesterday in Sydney ahead of the release of a report by a Coalition of Major Professional & Participation Sports working party due in a fortnight.
This report is expected to recommend laws similar to those in Britain's 2005 Gambling Act, which include provisions for jail sentences of up to two years for athletes involved in illegal betting. Arbib said that while there was no evidence of systemic corruption in Australian sport, existing laws could require updating.
Advertisement: Story continues below ''We need to see the report,'' he said. ''There may need to be changes to legislation at the state level and the territory level.
''There may need to be amendments. That would be something that the federal government would consider. At the moment you're dealing with state crimes acts. We will look at the laws that are in place in the UK and look at international practice. There might be some minor amendments, it might require some larger scale changes which obviously would take time.''
Detectives of the NSW Police's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit are probing suspicious betting on the NRL match between Canterbury and North Queensland in August in an investigation that could run into next year.
NRL chief David Gallop was among those present at yesterday's meeting at Football Federation Australia headquarters.
Arbib said the wider introduction of codes of conduct was also required.
THE states and territories must work together and with federal crime-fighting bodies against match fixing, according to the federal Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib.
Arbib expects laws will be updated to help prevent corruption in sport. He met chief executives and officials from seven sports - rugby league and union, Australian football, soccer, tennis, cricket and netball - yesterday in Sydney ahead of the release of a report by a Coalition of Major Professional & Participation Sports working party due in a fortnight.
This report is expected to recommend laws similar to those in Britain's 2005 Gambling Act, which include provisions for jail sentences of up to two years for athletes involved in illegal betting. Arbib said that while there was no evidence of systemic corruption in Australian sport, existing laws could require updating.
Advertisement: Story continues below ''We need to see the report,'' he said. ''There may need to be changes to legislation at the state level and the territory level.
''There may need to be amendments. That would be something that the federal government would consider. At the moment you're dealing with state crimes acts. We will look at the laws that are in place in the UK and look at international practice. There might be some minor amendments, it might require some larger scale changes which obviously would take time.''
Detectives of the NSW Police's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit are probing suspicious betting on the NRL match between Canterbury and North Queensland in August in an investigation that could run into next year.
NRL chief David Gallop was among those present at yesterday's meeting at Football Federation Australia headquarters.
Arbib said the wider introduction of codes of conduct was also required.
Government Sponsored Enslavement
Massachusetts has experienced a news blackout on the criticism and downside of government addiction to gambling revenues. Whether based on threats or promises or corporate dictates, the true costs are silenced or ignored, the devastation, increased crime, suicides not reported.
An Industry that survives ONLY because of the ADDICTED VICTIMS it leeches off, the promised 'painless revenues' dwindle as the pool of potential addicts succumb. Hence, the continual EXPANSION.
Surely caught by sharply spiraling social costs and public safety costs, Canada in desperation seeks to enslave those sitting idly at home as another "Something for Nothing Scheme." Lose your house, bankrupt your life, all in the comfort of your home! How enlightened!
This just about says it all --
In 2008, governments gained an average revenue of $528 per person (18 and over). That number was highest in Saskatchewan, where individuals contributed an average of $825 per person.
Gambling addicted governments enslaving others
By Susan Martinuk, Calgary Herald November 5, 2010
Most of us don't wake up each morning wondering what we can do to lose a lot of money today. But, apparently, a growing proportion of Canadians do and, thanks to our provincial governments, there are no shortage of opportunities.
So, fuelled by the insidious advertising message that with a little bit of luck they can beat the odds and live the good life, they head off to dump their cash at the local casino.
But everyone else knows that gamblers rarely win and, even if they do, the cost can be high. So why do our provincial governments continue to believe they can rake in huge profits from the gaming industry without incurring any long-term costs?
A just-released report from the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) states that it's a conflict of interest for governments to run gaming casinos for profit, while trying to promote a message of restraint and responsibility to gamblers. According to the report, Government Gambling and Broken Families, governments are in the business to make money, so "efforts to curb gambling of any kind will have little incentive to be successful."
Consequently, the report calls on governments to remove themselves from the gaming business and put a halt to any plans to expand gambling in their provinces.
Unfortunately, gaming has just one thing to offer and it's the one thing that governments so desperately want -- profits. Statistics Canada reports that net gambling revenues increased dramatically over the past two decades as cash-addicted (and cash-strapped) governments refitted their laws to allow gaming casinos and to put video slot machines in bars. Gambling net revenues grew from $2.73 billion in 1992 to a whopping $13.75 billion in 2009.
In 2008, governments gained an average revenue of $528 per person (18 and over). That number was highest in Saskatchewan, where individuals contributed an average of $825 per person.
Despite the windfall, revenues have flattened since 2005 so governments are looking for more ways to expand their revenue base. As of September, B.C., Ontario and Prince Edward Island are allowing Internet gambling. According to the report, the Ontario government estimated that Ontarians were spending up to $400 million per year on private, online gaming sites and that was $400 million that was slipping through their hands. Hence, online gambling is now legal and the government is now claiming its share of those revenues.
In a truly free society, there's nothing wrong with building casinos and giving the public the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to waste their time and money. It's called individual responsibility. But, the problem is, those who are most addicted to gaming are the least able to make responsible decisions.
The report stats [sic] that 3.2 per cent of Canada's adult population (18 and over) has a gambling problem. But another five to 10 others are directly affected by the behaviour of each problem gambler. That means the real number is closer to 12 to 25 per cent of our population. That means the government is fuelling the negative social behaviours of one in eight people; maybe even as much as one in four.
Government gambling isn't just a tax on stupidity; it really is, as they say, a tax on the poor. Low-income households (making less than $20,000/year) spent more than twice as much on gambling as high-income families (making more than $80,000/year).
The Hollywood version of casino gambling is one of rich men in tuxedos playing high stakes blackjack and sipping Scotch as casino owners anxiously wait to see if some high roller is going to break the casino. But the reality of casino gambling is poor people sitting at VLTs and sipping beer while governments greedily rake in the winnings.
Seduced by big money, governments have tried for too long to play both ends of the stick -- to discourage irresponsible gambling while exploiting casino gambling for their own profit. But the social impact of gambling on families, while difficult to quantify, is growing, and that's why this report wisely calls on governments to get out of the gambling business.
Sadly, it's not enough for society to have to help those addicted to gambling. We also have to be on the watch for governments with the same addiction.
Susan Martinuk's column runs every Friday.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
An Industry that survives ONLY because of the ADDICTED VICTIMS it leeches off, the promised 'painless revenues' dwindle as the pool of potential addicts succumb. Hence, the continual EXPANSION.
Surely caught by sharply spiraling social costs and public safety costs, Canada in desperation seeks to enslave those sitting idly at home as another "Something for Nothing Scheme." Lose your house, bankrupt your life, all in the comfort of your home! How enlightened!
This just about says it all --
In 2008, governments gained an average revenue of $528 per person (18 and over). That number was highest in Saskatchewan, where individuals contributed an average of $825 per person.
Gambling addicted governments enslaving others
By Susan Martinuk, Calgary Herald November 5, 2010
Most of us don't wake up each morning wondering what we can do to lose a lot of money today. But, apparently, a growing proportion of Canadians do and, thanks to our provincial governments, there are no shortage of opportunities.
So, fuelled by the insidious advertising message that with a little bit of luck they can beat the odds and live the good life, they head off to dump their cash at the local casino.
But everyone else knows that gamblers rarely win and, even if they do, the cost can be high. So why do our provincial governments continue to believe they can rake in huge profits from the gaming industry without incurring any long-term costs?
A just-released report from the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) states that it's a conflict of interest for governments to run gaming casinos for profit, while trying to promote a message of restraint and responsibility to gamblers. According to the report, Government Gambling and Broken Families, governments are in the business to make money, so "efforts to curb gambling of any kind will have little incentive to be successful."
Consequently, the report calls on governments to remove themselves from the gaming business and put a halt to any plans to expand gambling in their provinces.
Unfortunately, gaming has just one thing to offer and it's the one thing that governments so desperately want -- profits. Statistics Canada reports that net gambling revenues increased dramatically over the past two decades as cash-addicted (and cash-strapped) governments refitted their laws to allow gaming casinos and to put video slot machines in bars. Gambling net revenues grew from $2.73 billion in 1992 to a whopping $13.75 billion in 2009.
In 2008, governments gained an average revenue of $528 per person (18 and over). That number was highest in Saskatchewan, where individuals contributed an average of $825 per person.
Despite the windfall, revenues have flattened since 2005 so governments are looking for more ways to expand their revenue base. As of September, B.C., Ontario and Prince Edward Island are allowing Internet gambling. According to the report, the Ontario government estimated that Ontarians were spending up to $400 million per year on private, online gaming sites and that was $400 million that was slipping through their hands. Hence, online gambling is now legal and the government is now claiming its share of those revenues.
In a truly free society, there's nothing wrong with building casinos and giving the public the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to waste their time and money. It's called individual responsibility. But, the problem is, those who are most addicted to gaming are the least able to make responsible decisions.
The report stats [sic] that 3.2 per cent of Canada's adult population (18 and over) has a gambling problem. But another five to 10 others are directly affected by the behaviour of each problem gambler. That means the real number is closer to 12 to 25 per cent of our population. That means the government is fuelling the negative social behaviours of one in eight people; maybe even as much as one in four.
Government gambling isn't just a tax on stupidity; it really is, as they say, a tax on the poor. Low-income households (making less than $20,000/year) spent more than twice as much on gambling as high-income families (making more than $80,000/year).
The Hollywood version of casino gambling is one of rich men in tuxedos playing high stakes blackjack and sipping Scotch as casino owners anxiously wait to see if some high roller is going to break the casino. But the reality of casino gambling is poor people sitting at VLTs and sipping beer while governments greedily rake in the winnings.
Seduced by big money, governments have tried for too long to play both ends of the stick -- to discourage irresponsible gambling while exploiting casino gambling for their own profit. But the social impact of gambling on families, while difficult to quantify, is growing, and that's why this report wisely calls on governments to get out of the gambling business.
Sadly, it's not enough for society to have to help those addicted to gambling. We also have to be on the watch for governments with the same addiction.
Susan Martinuk's column runs every Friday.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
Maine barely passes Slot Barn
Filled with false promises of great prosperity, overstated job numbers, wildly exaggerated revenue projection and generously funded by a profitable industry, on their third attempt, voters barely passed the Slot Barn referendum for Oxford, Maine, more an act of desperation than a mandate.
Minimized or ignored is the 40% increase in crime in Bangor since Hollywood Slots opened.
Voters narrowly approve casino in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine
A casino investor said Wednesday that the bleak economy and high unemployment made Mainers more receptive than in the past to a full-blown casino with slot machines and table games.
About 51 percent of voters in Tuesday's election approved Black Bear Entertainment LLC's proposal to build a $165 million, casino and resort in the western Maine town of Oxford. Backers say the casino will support thousands of jobs, pump tens of millions of dollars into the economy and generate more than $60 million in revenue.
Mainers rejected referendums for an eastern Maine casino in 2007 and an Oxford casino in 2008.
"I think what people saw was that voting yes meant we would create jobs - and that would be jobs now, not speculation of jobs down the road," said, Rob Lally, co-owner of Mt. Abram ski resort in Greenwood and one of Black Bear's investors.
Opponents say a casino will drain money and jobs out of the local economy while creating new problems such as increased crime and gambling addiction.
There are also questions about where the casino will be located, who will operate it and whether the law that allows it is constitutional, since it bans other casinos within 100 miles, said Dennis Bailey, executive director of the CasinosNo! anti-casino group.
Furthermore, Bailey questioned whether financing for the project would be available in such a down economy, especially when plans are in the works for other casinos in Biddeford and Lewiston.
"It's still a long shot for a number of reasons," Bailey said. "They may end up putting up a barn full of slot machines, but the idea that Oxford is going to turn into Las Vegas-east is pretty unlikely."
Maine now has one casino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, which has 1,000 slot machines but no table games.
This year's vote paves the way for the state's first casino with blackjack, craps and other table games, in addition to slot machines. Black Bear Entertainment, which is comprised of a group of Maine business owners, is considering several sites along Route 26 in Oxford, but has not disclosed an exact location.
The referendum wording prohibits any other casino or slot machine facility within 100 miles of the Oxford casino. Tax revenue will go to Maine public schools, universities and community colleges, agricultural fairs, harness racing purses, the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian tribes, a dairy farm stabilization fund, the town of Oxford and the county.
Now that the referendum has passed, backers have to choose a casino site, obtain local and state approval and pick a casino operator to run it. Lally expects construction to begin next year and for it to open to the public by the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the project will include a casino, restaurant, bar and cafe, and it will be expanded over five years to include a 200-room hotel, more restaurants, convention space, a lounge and a spa, Lally said.
Black Bear shouldn't feel too proud of itself, Bailey said. Even though backers spent more than $3 million during the campaign, the vote could have gone either way, he said.
"They're now going to have a business that half the voters of Maine don't think is right for the state," Bailey said. "That's not a great foundation to build on."
Minimized or ignored is the 40% increase in crime in Bangor since Hollywood Slots opened.
Voters narrowly approve casino in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine
A casino investor said Wednesday that the bleak economy and high unemployment made Mainers more receptive than in the past to a full-blown casino with slot machines and table games.
About 51 percent of voters in Tuesday's election approved Black Bear Entertainment LLC's proposal to build a $165 million, casino and resort in the western Maine town of Oxford. Backers say the casino will support thousands of jobs, pump tens of millions of dollars into the economy and generate more than $60 million in revenue.
Mainers rejected referendums for an eastern Maine casino in 2007 and an Oxford casino in 2008.
"I think what people saw was that voting yes meant we would create jobs - and that would be jobs now, not speculation of jobs down the road," said, Rob Lally, co-owner of Mt. Abram ski resort in Greenwood and one of Black Bear's investors.
Opponents say a casino will drain money and jobs out of the local economy while creating new problems such as increased crime and gambling addiction.
There are also questions about where the casino will be located, who will operate it and whether the law that allows it is constitutional, since it bans other casinos within 100 miles, said Dennis Bailey, executive director of the CasinosNo! anti-casino group.
Furthermore, Bailey questioned whether financing for the project would be available in such a down economy, especially when plans are in the works for other casinos in Biddeford and Lewiston.
"It's still a long shot for a number of reasons," Bailey said. "They may end up putting up a barn full of slot machines, but the idea that Oxford is going to turn into Las Vegas-east is pretty unlikely."
Maine now has one casino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, which has 1,000 slot machines but no table games.
This year's vote paves the way for the state's first casino with blackjack, craps and other table games, in addition to slot machines. Black Bear Entertainment, which is comprised of a group of Maine business owners, is considering several sites along Route 26 in Oxford, but has not disclosed an exact location.
The referendum wording prohibits any other casino or slot machine facility within 100 miles of the Oxford casino. Tax revenue will go to Maine public schools, universities and community colleges, agricultural fairs, harness racing purses, the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian tribes, a dairy farm stabilization fund, the town of Oxford and the county.
Now that the referendum has passed, backers have to choose a casino site, obtain local and state approval and pick a casino operator to run it. Lally expects construction to begin next year and for it to open to the public by the summer of 2012.
The first phase of the project will include a casino, restaurant, bar and cafe, and it will be expanded over five years to include a 200-room hotel, more restaurants, convention space, a lounge and a spa, Lally said.
Black Bear shouldn't feel too proud of itself, Bailey said. Even though backers spent more than $3 million during the campaign, the vote could have gone either way, he said.
"They're now going to have a business that half the voters of Maine don't think is right for the state," Bailey said. "That's not a great foundation to build on."
Gambling Addict preys on vulnerable
Fruit machine addict carer stole from Exeter clients
A care home manageress who stole more than £8,000 from vulnerable residents and blew it all on slot machines is facing a jail sentence.
Exeter Magistrates' Court was told Hazel Gibbons of Wonford, Exeter, Devon, turned to gambling after her husband left her.
The 46-year-old, who admitted five charges of fraud, stole the money over a four-month period in 2008.
Her solicitor said she was "ashamed and disgusted" by her actions.
Gibbons, who had worked at the care home for seven years, was responsible for five residents with learning difficulties and dealt with their cash transactions.
"She was going out whenever she could with pockets full of change”
Peter Woodley
Defence lawyer
She confessed her guilt to the care home owner in a phone call and three letters.
When she was arrested, Gibbons told police she was a gambling addict.
Prosecutor Karen Ball told the court: "Any significant amounts of money she won she spent on further gambling."
Defence lawyer Peter Woodley said no one would sympathise or understand her just because she had been gambling.
But after her husband left her she used fruit machines as a way of "blocking everything out", he said.
"She was going out whenever she could with pockets full of change."
Anything she won went straight back into the machines as she spent more and more time playing them.
Mr Woodley said things came to a head and she ran out of the money and confessed to family and friends.
Exeter magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report.
A care home manageress who stole more than £8,000 from vulnerable residents and blew it all on slot machines is facing a jail sentence.
Exeter Magistrates' Court was told Hazel Gibbons of Wonford, Exeter, Devon, turned to gambling after her husband left her.
The 46-year-old, who admitted five charges of fraud, stole the money over a four-month period in 2008.
Her solicitor said she was "ashamed and disgusted" by her actions.
Gibbons, who had worked at the care home for seven years, was responsible for five residents with learning difficulties and dealt with their cash transactions.
"She was going out whenever she could with pockets full of change”
Peter Woodley
Defence lawyer
She confessed her guilt to the care home owner in a phone call and three letters.
When she was arrested, Gibbons told police she was a gambling addict.
Prosecutor Karen Ball told the court: "Any significant amounts of money she won she spent on further gambling."
Defence lawyer Peter Woodley said no one would sympathise or understand her just because she had been gambling.
But after her husband left her she used fruit machines as a way of "blocking everything out", he said.
"She was going out whenever she could with pockets full of change."
Anything she won went straight back into the machines as she spent more and more time playing them.
Mr Woodley said things came to a head and she ran out of the money and confessed to family and friends.
Exeter magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report.
SugarHouse Slot Barn revenues continue to decline
Pennsylvania, desperate for revenues instead of sensible fiscal solutions, overrun by Casino Vultures, followed the Holy Grail of Casino Capitalism and embraced "Destination Resort Slot Barns," just as Massachusetts is willing to do.
SugarHouse is the ultimate glitzy Slot Barn with little attempt to conceal its intent: to suck discretionary income from the local economy. There is no pretense of higher purpose other than transfer of wealth.
SugarHouse revenues have dropped for four of the six weeks it's been open
Even as Foxwoods continues to plead for a second chance to build a second Philadelphia casino, now with Harrah's as management, Sugarhouse Casino's revenues have dropped almost every week since it opened, according to figures released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
SugarHouse is the ultimate glitzy Slot Barn with little attempt to conceal its intent: to suck discretionary income from the local economy. There is no pretense of higher purpose other than transfer of wealth.
SugarHouse revenues have dropped for four of the six weeks it's been open
Even as Foxwoods continues to plead for a second chance to build a second Philadelphia casino, now with Harrah's as management, Sugarhouse Casino's revenues have dropped almost every week since it opened, according to figures released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Gambling Addiction
Gambling habit drove man to steal
GAMBLING addiction had driven retail supervisor Raymond Luvian-Wade to steal from his Toowoomba employer's cash till, the city's District Court heard yesterday.
Luvian-Wade, 57, had been employed by Downs Office Equipment as a retail area supervisor when one of his work colleagues in April last year found him with his wallet open at the cash register, prosecutor Shontelle Kenny told the court.
When another colleague noticed him doing the same thing a couple of days later, management was alerted and the store's surveillance camera video viewed.
Luvian-Wade had been found to have taken about $2138 over particular days of April and May last year, prompting management to conduct an audit of transactions dating back to January 2006.
That audit found he had taken more than $10,250 over that time making his total deception to $12,355.
The court heard gambling and depression had been behind the defendant's offending and he had since been attending ATODS (Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Service) to receive help with his problems.
He pleaded guilty to stealing as a servant.
Judge Tony Rafter SC sentenced Luvian-Wade to two years jail, but suspended the term immediately on condition he not re-offend within the next two years.
Luvian-Wade was also ordered to pay full restitution of $12,355.83.
GAMBLING addiction had driven retail supervisor Raymond Luvian-Wade to steal from his Toowoomba employer's cash till, the city's District Court heard yesterday.
Luvian-Wade, 57, had been employed by Downs Office Equipment as a retail area supervisor when one of his work colleagues in April last year found him with his wallet open at the cash register, prosecutor Shontelle Kenny told the court.
When another colleague noticed him doing the same thing a couple of days later, management was alerted and the store's surveillance camera video viewed.
Luvian-Wade had been found to have taken about $2138 over particular days of April and May last year, prompting management to conduct an audit of transactions dating back to January 2006.
That audit found he had taken more than $10,250 over that time making his total deception to $12,355.
The court heard gambling and depression had been behind the defendant's offending and he had since been attending ATODS (Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Service) to receive help with his problems.
He pleaded guilty to stealing as a servant.
Judge Tony Rafter SC sentenced Luvian-Wade to two years jail, but suspended the term immediately on condition he not re-offend within the next two years.
Luvian-Wade was also ordered to pay full restitution of $12,355.83.
Washington State: Slot Barns receiving stolen money
If a business knowingly received stolen goods, would they have to return those goods? If a business profited from receiving stolen funds, would they have to return those funds? If a business only existed because it created addiction, are they complicit?
Addiction fueled theft, woman says
The ex-treasurer accused of stealing $60,000 from the Mariner High School Marauder Club says she’s addicted to gambling and hoped to repay the money by winning big.
EVERETT — The former treasurer of Mariner High School’s booster club is accused of stealing nearly $60,000 from the nonprofit group.
Prosecutors on Wednesday charged Patricia Harmon with first-degree theft after a year-long investigation into the missing money. They allege that Harmon, 52, was skimming from the club’s coffers for nearly a decade.
Harmon, a longtime volunteer, brought her actions to the attention of the club’s president in August 2009 and met with detectives a short time later, court records show.
She told investigators that bills were coming due but there was only $391 in the account for the parent-run club. There should have been about $45,000, records said.
Harmon allegedly told investigators that she started pilfering from the club because of a gambling addiction. She said that she “began to take more and more funds, always hoping to win big so (she) could put the money back,” according to court papers.
An audit this spring revealed that Harmon stole $58,565 from the organization from 2001 to 2009, according to a police affidavit.
Investigators have no record that Harmon has paid back any of the money, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Laura Twitchell said Wednesday.
Mariner High School Marauder Booster Club serves as an umbrella organization for several Mariner groups raising money for their activities. The list includes athletic teams, travel accounts for student trips and a committee that organizes graduation night festivities.
A student trip to France was in jeopardy after organizers learned that the money the students had raised delivering phone books, working concession stand and other activities had been taken.
In the end students, teachers and parents stepped up and doubled their fund-raising efforts. The students, who were studying French, were able to make the trip this past summer, school district spokesman Andy Muntz said Wednesday.
Harmon was a trusted volunteer and there weren’t adequate safeguards in place, the club president told The Herald last fall. The club now requires signatures from two board members for every transaction.
A booster club is a nonprofit organization and the money is supposed to be kept separate from Associated Student Body funds. The club is not subject to the school district’s financial review.
Addiction fueled theft, woman says
The ex-treasurer accused of stealing $60,000 from the Mariner High School Marauder Club says she’s addicted to gambling and hoped to repay the money by winning big.
EVERETT — The former treasurer of Mariner High School’s booster club is accused of stealing nearly $60,000 from the nonprofit group.
Prosecutors on Wednesday charged Patricia Harmon with first-degree theft after a year-long investigation into the missing money. They allege that Harmon, 52, was skimming from the club’s coffers for nearly a decade.
Harmon, a longtime volunteer, brought her actions to the attention of the club’s president in August 2009 and met with detectives a short time later, court records show.
She told investigators that bills were coming due but there was only $391 in the account for the parent-run club. There should have been about $45,000, records said.
Harmon allegedly told investigators that she started pilfering from the club because of a gambling addiction. She said that she “began to take more and more funds, always hoping to win big so (she) could put the money back,” according to court papers.
An audit this spring revealed that Harmon stole $58,565 from the organization from 2001 to 2009, according to a police affidavit.
Investigators have no record that Harmon has paid back any of the money, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Laura Twitchell said Wednesday.
Mariner High School Marauder Booster Club serves as an umbrella organization for several Mariner groups raising money for their activities. The list includes athletic teams, travel accounts for student trips and a committee that organizes graduation night festivities.
A student trip to France was in jeopardy after organizers learned that the money the students had raised delivering phone books, working concession stand and other activities had been taken.
In the end students, teachers and parents stepped up and doubled their fund-raising efforts. The students, who were studying French, were able to make the trip this past summer, school district spokesman Andy Muntz said Wednesday.
Harmon was a trusted volunteer and there weren’t adequate safeguards in place, the club president told The Herald last fall. The club now requires signatures from two board members for every transaction.
A booster club is a nonprofit organization and the money is supposed to be kept separate from Associated Student Body funds. The club is not subject to the school district’s financial review.
Another Dirty Little Secret: Slot Barns conceal crimes
Although the item below pertains to FireKeepers' Slot Barn concealment of a crime on their property, a woman came up to me and recounted an incident of sexual assault for which Slot Barn management refused to call police. When local police responded to her call, they refused to take a report.
The known crime wave that accompanies Slot Barns appears to be grossly under-reported to protect the Industry.
As with the tragic death of Sherrice Iverson at Primmadonna or the many cases effecting children and animals, Slot Barns protect their profits and their money, not patrons.
The shining lights and glitter conceal the dangers.
Casino dangers
I have waited a full year to write this to see if anyone else has reported a problem with FireKeepers Casino. Apparently the casino still hides the truth about crimes committed on and in the casino.
In September 2009, my wife and her 85-year-old father left the casino about 1:30 a.m. Before they could even close the car doors, an armed convict on parole jumped into the back seat of their car. The convict told them to give him all of their money or he would kill them. He stated that he was on parole and had nothing to lose. After they convinced him that they were leaving because they didn't have any money left, he left the car, took someone's motorcycle and fled the area.
My wife called 911 and reported the incident. She got a very good description of the man and he was caught a few miles away.
The casino did not want the incident reported to the paper as with other crimes committed there.
To placate my wife and her father, they were each given $25 to use at the casino!
The perpetrator was given 26 months to seven years for attempted armed robbery! Our county prosecutor fell asleep on this sentence. What happened to the automatic two to five years for using a gun in the commission of a crime? And the automatic two to five years for a felon using a weapon?
If you visit the casino, take care. If you have won any money, get security to walk you to your car. Or better yet, use the valet service and have your car brought to you.
A big atta-boy to Officer Pat Johnson of Emmett Township Public Safety department for his quick work in bringing down the suspect so quickly. I've been a police officer for over 30 years and seldom catch the offender that soon after the crime. And a big thorn bush to our prosecutor for not doing her job to keep felons off the street. As a police officer, I would be remiss in not alerting the public about the danger you may face while trying to have fun by giving the casino your money. Be aware, be safe!
Don Johnson
Homer
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Foxwoods: more to come
Foxwoods Resort Casino announces agreement with TransAct Technologies Inc.
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods announced Nov. 1 an agreement with TransAct Technologies Incorporated, a global leader in market-specific printers for transaction-based industries, to install the EPICENTRAL Print System in 300 of the property’s slot machines for a trial period beginning in December 2010.
“We’re looking forward to experiencing the EPICENTRAL Print System and hearing feedback from our loyal gamers,” said Foxwoods’ Vice President of Slot Operations Lou Rosar. “With over 6,000 slot machines on our award-winning property, we’re always looking for ways to differentiate Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods from the competition and believe this partnership will help us do just that.”
The new EPICENTRAL Print System – connected directly to TransAct’s ServerPort device inside the slot machine – is an easy-to-use, cost-efficient software system that will enable Foxwoods to internally develop marketing programs and promotional coupons to be distributed to customers on a real-time basis at a slot machine. Additionally, the system will work with all existing slot systems and games as it is separate and distinct from the slot system itself. With this, Foxwoods will be able to use the EPICENTRAL Print System to connect to any existing slot machine, regardless of the game’s manufacturer or the current slot system, as long as the slot machine is equipped with a TransAct Epic 950 printer.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Foxwoods, one of the largest and pre-eminent casinos in the country, in introducing the EPICENTRAL Print System to the public,” said Bart C. Shuldman, chairman and CEO of TransAct Technologies. “We believe the EPICENTRAL Print System will be a significant addition to Foxwoods’ marketing program as it will enable the casino to reach out in real-time to its customers with multiple marketing and promotional messages to incentivize additional play time on the slot machines, promote incremental purchases throughout the property or induce additional visits in the future. We look forward to a successful trial run and the possibility of a major expansion of the system at Foxwoods in the near future.”
Through the use of this software system, Foxwoods will have the ability to provide players with special drawing entries, real-time promotional coupons and marketing messages, restaurant meals, show tickets and hotel rooms, among many other possibilities. Essentially, Foxwoods will be able to utilize the EPICENTRAL Print System to create multiple promotions and incentives to either increase customer time spent on the casino floor or encourage additional visits.
Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods have always placed a premium on offering the finest gaming options and promotions. At the six casinos at Foxwoods, there are more than 380 table games with 17 different varieties, including blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Caribbean stud poker and pai gow poker, and the only WPT World Poker Room in New England, with 98 tables open around the clock. The casino at MGM Grand at Foxwoods features 60 table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, Spanish 21, and 3-card poker. Together, the seven casinos offer more than 7,200 slots, a Rolling Chip program that rewards frequent players, Wide Area Progressive slot machines, High Stakes Bingo, free online play, and Ultimate Race Book.
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods announced Nov. 1 an agreement with TransAct Technologies Incorporated, a global leader in market-specific printers for transaction-based industries, to install the EPICENTRAL Print System in 300 of the property’s slot machines for a trial period beginning in December 2010.
“We’re looking forward to experiencing the EPICENTRAL Print System and hearing feedback from our loyal gamers,” said Foxwoods’ Vice President of Slot Operations Lou Rosar. “With over 6,000 slot machines on our award-winning property, we’re always looking for ways to differentiate Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods from the competition and believe this partnership will help us do just that.”
The new EPICENTRAL Print System – connected directly to TransAct’s ServerPort device inside the slot machine – is an easy-to-use, cost-efficient software system that will enable Foxwoods to internally develop marketing programs and promotional coupons to be distributed to customers on a real-time basis at a slot machine. Additionally, the system will work with all existing slot systems and games as it is separate and distinct from the slot system itself. With this, Foxwoods will be able to use the EPICENTRAL Print System to connect to any existing slot machine, regardless of the game’s manufacturer or the current slot system, as long as the slot machine is equipped with a TransAct Epic 950 printer.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Foxwoods, one of the largest and pre-eminent casinos in the country, in introducing the EPICENTRAL Print System to the public,” said Bart C. Shuldman, chairman and CEO of TransAct Technologies. “We believe the EPICENTRAL Print System will be a significant addition to Foxwoods’ marketing program as it will enable the casino to reach out in real-time to its customers with multiple marketing and promotional messages to incentivize additional play time on the slot machines, promote incremental purchases throughout the property or induce additional visits in the future. We look forward to a successful trial run and the possibility of a major expansion of the system at Foxwoods in the near future.”
Through the use of this software system, Foxwoods will have the ability to provide players with special drawing entries, real-time promotional coupons and marketing messages, restaurant meals, show tickets and hotel rooms, among many other possibilities. Essentially, Foxwoods will be able to utilize the EPICENTRAL Print System to create multiple promotions and incentives to either increase customer time spent on the casino floor or encourage additional visits.
Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods have always placed a premium on offering the finest gaming options and promotions. At the six casinos at Foxwoods, there are more than 380 table games with 17 different varieties, including blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Caribbean stud poker and pai gow poker, and the only WPT World Poker Room in New England, with 98 tables open around the clock. The casino at MGM Grand at Foxwoods features 60 table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, Spanish 21, and 3-card poker. Together, the seven casinos offer more than 7,200 slots, a Rolling Chip program that rewards frequent players, Wide Area Progressive slot machines, High Stakes Bingo, free online play, and Ultimate Race Book.
Son cheats Dad with dementia for addiction
Son Terrance Alexander gambles father's cash on fruit machines
A Ramsgate man who gambled away his father's money on fruit machines has been jailed for two years for what a judge said was a breach of trust at the highest level.
Terrance Alexander, 54, of Chichester Road appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having admitted fraud by abusing his position as attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney between Janury 2007 and January 2010.
Prosecutor James Bilsland said Kenneth Alexander was a dementia sufferer in his 80s and was in a care home in Ramsgate. Matters came to light when Social Services were contacted by the defendant, who indicated he was having problems paying for his father's care.
When his father first went into care, he had been self-funding but in 2007 dementia was diagnosed and Enduring Power of Attorney was granted to Alexander junior.
Paperwork presented to Social Services was incomplete and showed a large number of transactions which Mr Alexander senior could have had no part in.
A house was sold in November 2007 for £90,000, but there was no trace of the money. Some payments were made to the home but arrears developed in relation to the care.
His bank account was £8,000 overdrawn and some £30,000 had been taken out in cash. Over £10,000 had been spent at filling stations, retail outlets and on BT line rental.
Police calculated £173,000 was not accounted for although this does not take into account the amount paid by the defendant to the home, said Mr Bilsland.
"He accepts a figure of £123,000. The entire proceeds of the house seems to have gone," he added.
Alexander had no criminal record and his lawyer, Charlotte Surley, said the hub of his offending was a gambling addiction to fruit machines.
He worked as a chauffeur and cab driver. His legitimate income was disappearing in terms of the gambling addiction and the family were in rent arrears so there was no suggestion of any kind of high life.
He bought the car to help his father get out and about but his health deteriorated and the defendant used the vehicle for his chauffeuring business. He had tried to pay some money in, but it was nothing in comparison to the misappropriation because of the gambling.
This came to light when money ran low and a request for funding revealed what had been going on.
"He did not obtain the Power of Attorney with the intention of defrauding his father and had attempted to make amends when he realised the gravity, but could not reimburse his father," said Miss Surley.
Until recently Alexander did not have a grasp of the depth of his gambling addiction and was surprised at the prosecution's figure.
She said there were family difficulties which would be exacerbated if Alexander was jailed.
Judge Adele Williams gave Alexander credit for his previous good record but said instead of using the money to pay for his father's care, he had used it to feed a gambling habit.
"This falls into the most serious category of theft with breach of trust at the highest level," she said.
A Ramsgate man who gambled away his father's money on fruit machines has been jailed for two years for what a judge said was a breach of trust at the highest level.
Terrance Alexander, 54, of Chichester Road appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having admitted fraud by abusing his position as attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney between Janury 2007 and January 2010.
Prosecutor James Bilsland said Kenneth Alexander was a dementia sufferer in his 80s and was in a care home in Ramsgate. Matters came to light when Social Services were contacted by the defendant, who indicated he was having problems paying for his father's care.
When his father first went into care, he had been self-funding but in 2007 dementia was diagnosed and Enduring Power of Attorney was granted to Alexander junior.
Paperwork presented to Social Services was incomplete and showed a large number of transactions which Mr Alexander senior could have had no part in.
A house was sold in November 2007 for £90,000, but there was no trace of the money. Some payments were made to the home but arrears developed in relation to the care.
His bank account was £8,000 overdrawn and some £30,000 had been taken out in cash. Over £10,000 had been spent at filling stations, retail outlets and on BT line rental.
Police calculated £173,000 was not accounted for although this does not take into account the amount paid by the defendant to the home, said Mr Bilsland.
"He accepts a figure of £123,000. The entire proceeds of the house seems to have gone," he added.
Alexander had no criminal record and his lawyer, Charlotte Surley, said the hub of his offending was a gambling addiction to fruit machines.
He worked as a chauffeur and cab driver. His legitimate income was disappearing in terms of the gambling addiction and the family were in rent arrears so there was no suggestion of any kind of high life.
He bought the car to help his father get out and about but his health deteriorated and the defendant used the vehicle for his chauffeuring business. He had tried to pay some money in, but it was nothing in comparison to the misappropriation because of the gambling.
This came to light when money ran low and a request for funding revealed what had been going on.
"He did not obtain the Power of Attorney with the intention of defrauding his father and had attempted to make amends when he realised the gravity, but could not reimburse his father," said Miss Surley.
Until recently Alexander did not have a grasp of the depth of his gambling addiction and was surprised at the prosecution's figure.
She said there were family difficulties which would be exacerbated if Alexander was jailed.
Judge Adele Williams gave Alexander credit for his previous good record but said instead of using the money to pay for his father's care, he had used it to feed a gambling habit.
"This falls into the most serious category of theft with breach of trust at the highest level," she said.
Isn't Gambling Addiction Enslavement?
Noteworthy in this article is the willing support network stepping forward to assist this gambling addict.
How many others suffer in silence, without the support and ultimate commit suicide?
If gambling creates addicts and enslaves people, why do we support it as revenue source?
Premiership footballer seeks help after racking up £800k in gambling debts
by Joseph Jeffries
Premiership footballer Matthew Etherington has sought help from his club's owners after running up gambling debts of £800,000, The Sun reports.
Stoke City winger Etherington is understood to have turned to club owner Peter Coates for help in paying back the huge debts he accrued by betting on horses, greyhounds and playing poker.
The 28-year-old had previously received a £300,000 loan from former club West Ham United for help with his long-term gambling addiction, and it is thought that Stoke City have offered the midfielder similar support.
Etherington revealed the full extent of his gambling problems after signing for Stoke City in January 2009. Shortly afterwards, club owner Coates - who ironically co-owns online betting firm bet365.com - decided to step in and offer support.
It is not clear exactly what type of assistance Etherington has received, but it may have involved a course of gambling addiction hypnotherapy. This increasingly popular treatment allows addicts to control their subconscious urges and gives them the confidence to resist the temptation to gamble.
Etherington has enjoyed an excellent start to the season and his recent form has fuelled talk of a possible call-up to the England squad. Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes that this thanks in no small part to the support provided by the club's owners.
"Etherington's been a quality player and very, very good for us," The Guardian quoted Pulis as saying.
"He's got his life sorted out off the pitch, and you've got to give the Coates family great credit for getting involved with that and as a football club giving him the help he needed."
"The chairman took it on [to resolve the problem]. When he found out how bad the situation was, he organised everything and got things going for him. We have done a lot of things behind the scenes to help him," Pulis added.
How many others suffer in silence, without the support and ultimate commit suicide?
If gambling creates addicts and enslaves people, why do we support it as revenue source?
Premiership footballer seeks help after racking up £800k in gambling debts
by Joseph Jeffries
Premiership footballer Matthew Etherington has sought help from his club's owners after running up gambling debts of £800,000, The Sun reports.
Stoke City winger Etherington is understood to have turned to club owner Peter Coates for help in paying back the huge debts he accrued by betting on horses, greyhounds and playing poker.
The 28-year-old had previously received a £300,000 loan from former club West Ham United for help with his long-term gambling addiction, and it is thought that Stoke City have offered the midfielder similar support.
Etherington revealed the full extent of his gambling problems after signing for Stoke City in January 2009. Shortly afterwards, club owner Coates - who ironically co-owns online betting firm bet365.com - decided to step in and offer support.
It is not clear exactly what type of assistance Etherington has received, but it may have involved a course of gambling addiction hypnotherapy. This increasingly popular treatment allows addicts to control their subconscious urges and gives them the confidence to resist the temptation to gamble.
Etherington has enjoyed an excellent start to the season and his recent form has fuelled talk of a possible call-up to the England squad. Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes that this thanks in no small part to the support provided by the club's owners.
"Etherington's been a quality player and very, very good for us," The Guardian quoted Pulis as saying.
"He's got his life sorted out off the pitch, and you've got to give the Coates family great credit for getting involved with that and as a football club giving him the help he needed."
"The chairman took it on [to resolve the problem]. When he found out how bad the situation was, he organised everything and got things going for him. We have done a lot of things behind the scenes to help him," Pulis added.
South Dakota: Approves smoking ban in casinos by 65%
The Massachusetts media focused on the "smoking ban" matter to the exclusion of substantive issues when the legislature was rubber-stamping flawed legislation that somehow pleased leadership [translation: the Casino Vultures].
After all, we wouldn't want to impinge on their earnings at the expense of anyone's health, would we?
An unnamed Republican Senator who fancies himself a comedian and submitted comical amendments to display his talents protested the "Nanny State."
65% of South Dakota voters, hardly subject to comparable derogatory labels, seemed to think a smoking ban made sense.
Are you listening Beacon Hill?
SD Governor-elect see positive side to voters approval of smoking ban
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KTIV) -- There were big races and big issues on the ballot Tuesday.
One of the biggest, a smoking ban in South Dakota.
Voters said yes to banning smoking in bars, restaurants, and some casinos.
Before the vote, South Dakota had a ban on smoking in public buildings and work places.
However, the voters decided to expand that ban to all restaurants, bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos with a 65 percent to 35 percent vote.
The only place smoking is allowed is in casinos on Indian reservations.
The state's new Governor says they hope businesses aren't severely impacted.
"Well, certainly there's a question about how it might impact video lottery revenue in other states there has been a bit of a dip," said Governor-Elect Dennis Dugaard. "But, generally that has come back. And so I'm hopeful that to the extent that it does occur it will come back before the next fiscal year begins."
Dugaard says he thinks the state may actually see a side benefit from the ban in lower pay outs for Medicaid associated with health issues tied to second hand smoke.
After all, we wouldn't want to impinge on their earnings at the expense of anyone's health, would we?
An unnamed Republican Senator who fancies himself a comedian and submitted comical amendments to display his talents protested the "Nanny State."
65% of South Dakota voters, hardly subject to comparable derogatory labels, seemed to think a smoking ban made sense.
Are you listening Beacon Hill?
SD Governor-elect see positive side to voters approval of smoking ban
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KTIV) -- There were big races and big issues on the ballot Tuesday.
One of the biggest, a smoking ban in South Dakota.
Voters said yes to banning smoking in bars, restaurants, and some casinos.
Before the vote, South Dakota had a ban on smoking in public buildings and work places.
However, the voters decided to expand that ban to all restaurants, bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos with a 65 percent to 35 percent vote.
The only place smoking is allowed is in casinos on Indian reservations.
The state's new Governor says they hope businesses aren't severely impacted.
"Well, certainly there's a question about how it might impact video lottery revenue in other states there has been a bit of a dip," said Governor-Elect Dennis Dugaard. "But, generally that has come back. And so I'm hopeful that to the extent that it does occur it will come back before the next fiscal year begins."
Dugaard says he thinks the state may actually see a side benefit from the ban in lower pay outs for Medicaid associated with health issues tied to second hand smoke.
MGM earnings down
Casino Stock Watch – MGM Announces Q3 Results
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today reported its third-quarter financial results, with net revenues at $1.5 billion, down 3% excluding reimbursed costs. The company reported that its Las Vegas Strip REVPAR decreased 2% compared to the prior year quarter. Third-quarter casino revenue fell 9% compared to the prior year quarter, with slots revenue down 3% for the quarter. The company’s table games volume, excluding baccarat, dropped 7% in the quarter, while baccarat volume was down 6% compared to the prior year quarter.
The overall table games hold percentage was lower in 2010 than the previous year; in the current year third quarter, the hold percentage was above the midpoint of the company’s normal 18% to 22% while it was slightly above the high end of the range in the 2009 quarter. The company’s room revenue dropped 3% from the prior year. The company achieved 93% occupancy compared to 95% in the prior year quarter with consistent ADR, which led to a 2% decrease in Las Vegas Strip REVPAR.
MGM reported that both Bellagio and Mandalay Bay recorded increases in REVPAR for the third quarter. The net revenue at the company’s regional resorts increased 3% compared to the previous year. MGM Macau reported its best quarter ever and earned operating income of $61.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, which included depreciation expense of $22 million.
MGM recorded a third-quarter diluted loss per share (EPS) of $0.72 compared to a loss of $1.70 per share in the previous year. The current year results include pre-tax impairment charges totaling $357.0 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, net of tax, including pre-tax impairment charges of $182.0 million.
MGM Resorts International is a holding company engaged in gaming, hospitality and entertainment. The company owns and operates casino resorts, which includes offering gaming, hotel, dining, entertainment, retail and other resort amenities.
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today reported its third-quarter financial results, with net revenues at $1.5 billion, down 3% excluding reimbursed costs. The company reported that its Las Vegas Strip REVPAR decreased 2% compared to the prior year quarter. Third-quarter casino revenue fell 9% compared to the prior year quarter, with slots revenue down 3% for the quarter. The company’s table games volume, excluding baccarat, dropped 7% in the quarter, while baccarat volume was down 6% compared to the prior year quarter.
The overall table games hold percentage was lower in 2010 than the previous year; in the current year third quarter, the hold percentage was above the midpoint of the company’s normal 18% to 22% while it was slightly above the high end of the range in the 2009 quarter. The company’s room revenue dropped 3% from the prior year. The company achieved 93% occupancy compared to 95% in the prior year quarter with consistent ADR, which led to a 2% decrease in Las Vegas Strip REVPAR.
MGM reported that both Bellagio and Mandalay Bay recorded increases in REVPAR for the third quarter. The net revenue at the company’s regional resorts increased 3% compared to the previous year. MGM Macau reported its best quarter ever and earned operating income of $61.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, which included depreciation expense of $22 million.
MGM recorded a third-quarter diluted loss per share (EPS) of $0.72 compared to a loss of $1.70 per share in the previous year. The current year results include pre-tax impairment charges totaling $357.0 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, net of tax, including pre-tax impairment charges of $182.0 million.
MGM Resorts International is a holding company engaged in gaming, hospitality and entertainment. The company owns and operates casino resorts, which includes offering gaming, hotel, dining, entertainment, retail and other resort amenities.
New York State: Mohawks shaft state
Mohawks won't back down, refuse to pay the state
ARBITRATION REQUESTED: St. Regis Mohawks claim unrelated tribe in Ganienkeh operating slots, infringing on their rights
HOGANSBURG — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is standing by its previous statements that the state has knowingly allowed another tribe to operate slots and break its exclusive gaming rights.
The Mohawks are requesting arbitration and say that if the arbitrator agrees with them, they will attempt to get the state's share of the gaming compact returned.
"That's an issue that we're going to be bringing up with the state," Chief Mark H. Garrow said. "I think it's preliminary to look to attach any number to that or any process before we go to arbitration."
Since 2004, the tribe has sent more than $30 million in gaming revenue to the state alone. More of the casino's revenues also are sent to St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, as well as the towns of Brasher, Massena, Fort Covington and Bombay, via Albany. The tribe is not looking to have that money returned.
ARBITRATION REQUESTED: St. Regis Mohawks claim unrelated tribe in Ganienkeh operating slots, infringing on their rights
HOGANSBURG — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is standing by its previous statements that the state has knowingly allowed another tribe to operate slots and break its exclusive gaming rights.
The Mohawks are requesting arbitration and say that if the arbitrator agrees with them, they will attempt to get the state's share of the gaming compact returned.
"That's an issue that we're going to be bringing up with the state," Chief Mark H. Garrow said. "I think it's preliminary to look to attach any number to that or any process before we go to arbitration."
Since 2004, the tribe has sent more than $30 million in gaming revenue to the state alone. More of the casino's revenues also are sent to St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, as well as the towns of Brasher, Massena, Fort Covington and Bombay, via Albany. The tribe is not looking to have that money returned.
Oregon: Only 32% wanted casino
Oregon voters heard the same false promises Massachusetts legislators and voters have heard and rejected them:
1. Jobs, jobs, jobs
2. Overstated revenue for a HOT BUTTON ISSUE - like EDUCATION
3. Streets paved with Fool's Gold and universal prosperity
Voters reject proposal for state's first privately owned casino
Voters soundly rejected Measure 75, which would have created Oregon's first privately owned casino. The measure gained only 32 percent of votes.
The measure would have amended state law to authorize a casino in Wood Village. But it would not have lifted the casino ban in the state. Voters still would have needed to approve a constitutional amendment.
Backers of the measure said the casino would have helped finance schools and create jobs but many opponents, including Oregon's tribal casinos, said measure would have pulled money and jobs from elsewhere in the state.
1. Jobs, jobs, jobs
2. Overstated revenue for a HOT BUTTON ISSUE - like EDUCATION
3. Streets paved with Fool's Gold and universal prosperity
Voters reject proposal for state's first privately owned casino
Voters soundly rejected Measure 75, which would have created Oregon's first privately owned casino. The measure gained only 32 percent of votes.
The measure would have amended state law to authorize a casino in Wood Village. But it would not have lifted the casino ban in the state. Voters still would have needed to approve a constitutional amendment.
Backers of the measure said the casino would have helped finance schools and create jobs but many opponents, including Oregon's tribal casinos, said measure would have pulled money and jobs from elsewhere in the state.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Gambling Addiction
Devon cashier's £50,000 gambling theft
A woman from Devon has been jailed for a year after admitting stealing nearly £50,000 from the company where she worked to fund her fruit machine addiction.
Tracey Spilsbury, 47, from Paignton, was employed as a cashier at the Dart Steam Railway Company.
Between April and September this year she stole £45,972 - 50% of the company's annual profit.
The mother of one was sentenced earlier at Exeter Crown Court.
Prosecutor Mark Barton said Ms Spilsbury's job at the railway involved taking all the money in from the cashiers and putting it in the safe.
When police arrested her they found just £150 in cash at her home.
She told them she had spent all the money on fruit machines, trying to win back what she had already taken.
Mr Barton said: "It had spiralled out of control.
"She spent none of it on her family or herself but fed it all into the fruit machines."
The court heard that Ms Spilsbury's gambling addiction was so bad that she was playing two gaming machines at the same time.
'Sad case'
Defence barrister Gareth Evans said: "The extent of her dishonesty took her by surprise. Nobody was aware of what she was doing and she was not spending that money in any other way.
"She never expected to get away with this and every time she went to work she expected the police to be there to arrest her."
Sentencing her Judge David Tyzack QC said: "This is a very sad case indeed.
"You wickedly helped yourself to the very substantial amount of money.
"The company can ill afford to lose such a large sum of money and there is no chance it will get any of the money back."
A woman from Devon has been jailed for a year after admitting stealing nearly £50,000 from the company where she worked to fund her fruit machine addiction.
Tracey Spilsbury, 47, from Paignton, was employed as a cashier at the Dart Steam Railway Company.
Between April and September this year she stole £45,972 - 50% of the company's annual profit.
The mother of one was sentenced earlier at Exeter Crown Court.
Prosecutor Mark Barton said Ms Spilsbury's job at the railway involved taking all the money in from the cashiers and putting it in the safe.
When police arrested her they found just £150 in cash at her home.
She told them she had spent all the money on fruit machines, trying to win back what she had already taken.
Mr Barton said: "It had spiralled out of control.
"She spent none of it on her family or herself but fed it all into the fruit machines."
The court heard that Ms Spilsbury's gambling addiction was so bad that she was playing two gaming machines at the same time.
'Sad case'
Defence barrister Gareth Evans said: "The extent of her dishonesty took her by surprise. Nobody was aware of what she was doing and she was not spending that money in any other way.
"She never expected to get away with this and every time she went to work she expected the police to be there to arrest her."
Sentencing her Judge David Tyzack QC said: "This is a very sad case indeed.
"You wickedly helped yourself to the very substantial amount of money.
"The company can ill afford to lose such a large sum of money and there is no chance it will get any of the money back."
Gambling Addiction: Cleaner cleans out account
Birmingham professor is cleaned out by his cleaner
A CLEANER with a chronic gambling addiction emptied a Birmingham professor’s bank account after stealing a bank card from his home.
Adrian Flanagan, 36, who siphoned off more than £14,000, was sentenced to 50 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years.
The former Land Rover worker, of School Road, Yardley Wood, was also ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work and pay £14,041 compensation after admitting theft between March and June this year.
Judge Rupert Mayo said: “It was a wicked breach of trust in that you stole a bank card and pin details from someone who trusted you to be in their home unsupervised.”
But the judge said he accepted Flanagan had tried to get help to beat his “ghastly” addiction and that he had saved up enough to pay a third of the money back.
Rhydian James, prosecuting, at Birmingham Crown Court, said that Flanagan worked with his partner, who owned her own cleaning business, and added that he took the card from Prof Stephen Field while working at his home.
Mr James said, over about a three-month period, Flanagan used the card 56 times to withdraw the money from three different cash points.
He said Prof Field had not been aware of what was going on because he did most of his banking on the internet.
It was only when he made a transfer that he realised that an account was overdrawn, Mr James told the court.
Mr James said that police later looked at CCTV and identified Flanagan using the card to withdraw £500 from a cash point at the Maypole.
Joe Louis, defending, said Flanagan was ashamed about what he had done and that he would be able to pay Prof Field back the full amount within 18 months.
He added that if he went to prison it would devastate his family.
A CLEANER with a chronic gambling addiction emptied a Birmingham professor’s bank account after stealing a bank card from his home.
Adrian Flanagan, 36, who siphoned off more than £14,000, was sentenced to 50 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years.
The former Land Rover worker, of School Road, Yardley Wood, was also ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work and pay £14,041 compensation after admitting theft between March and June this year.
Judge Rupert Mayo said: “It was a wicked breach of trust in that you stole a bank card and pin details from someone who trusted you to be in their home unsupervised.”
But the judge said he accepted Flanagan had tried to get help to beat his “ghastly” addiction and that he had saved up enough to pay a third of the money back.
Rhydian James, prosecuting, at Birmingham Crown Court, said that Flanagan worked with his partner, who owned her own cleaning business, and added that he took the card from Prof Stephen Field while working at his home.
Mr James said, over about a three-month period, Flanagan used the card 56 times to withdraw the money from three different cash points.
He said Prof Field had not been aware of what was going on because he did most of his banking on the internet.
It was only when he made a transfer that he realised that an account was overdrawn, Mr James told the court.
Mr James said that police later looked at CCTV and identified Flanagan using the card to withdraw £500 from a cash point at the Maypole.
Joe Louis, defending, said Flanagan was ashamed about what he had done and that he would be able to pay Prof Field back the full amount within 18 months.
He added that if he went to prison it would devastate his family.
Gambling Addiction: Stealing from the elderly
Police officer's wife sentenced for stealing
A Tauranga police detective's wife has been sentenced to home detention and community work after she stole more than $25,000 from an 84-year-old widow and a bank to bankroll her secret gambling addiction.
Forty-four-year-old Vicki Lee McCaskie - the wife of police officer Rob McCaskie - stole $17,591.51 from the widow and $8000 from her employer, Westpac, to cover gambling losses her family knew nothing about, the Bay of Plenty Times reported.
She was sentenced in Tauranga District Court yesterday to five months' home detention and 250 hours' community work after earlier pleading guilty to five charges of obtaining by deception and one charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.
McCaskie developed a personal relationship with the victim after her husband died and would help her with transactions. Between July and October last year, McCaskie made numerous withdrawals from her two bank accounts.
The victim realised the money was missing and complained to police.
Police also found that McCaskie had obtained substantial extra money from Westpac. During an interview McCaskie admitted she had helped herself to $8000 from the Cherrywood branch's ATM cash float this year and tried to cover the losses by holding a false balance in her teller's cash records.
McCaskie told police she had started gambling after the death of her father four years ago but she was unable to control it.
None of her family were aware of the "double life" she was leading and that she had taken the money to pay off debts.
Judge Peter Rollo told McCaskie she had "fallen far" and must now pay the price.
The harm done to her victims and family was significant, particularly to her husband who had cashed in his superannuation to help repay the stolen money, the judge said. The victim had been reimbursed.
Western Bay police commander Inspector Mike Clement said the case had been handled by a senior investigator from outside the area and McCaskie's husband, a well-regarded member of the Western Bay police, would continue to serve in the police.
The case follows that of Michelle Campbell, 43, who defrauded more than $1 million from Ebbett Tauranga. Campbell was at the time the wife of Tauranga constable Steve Campbell.
A Tauranga police detective's wife has been sentenced to home detention and community work after she stole more than $25,000 from an 84-year-old widow and a bank to bankroll her secret gambling addiction.
Forty-four-year-old Vicki Lee McCaskie - the wife of police officer Rob McCaskie - stole $17,591.51 from the widow and $8000 from her employer, Westpac, to cover gambling losses her family knew nothing about, the Bay of Plenty Times reported.
She was sentenced in Tauranga District Court yesterday to five months' home detention and 250 hours' community work after earlier pleading guilty to five charges of obtaining by deception and one charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.
McCaskie developed a personal relationship with the victim after her husband died and would help her with transactions. Between July and October last year, McCaskie made numerous withdrawals from her two bank accounts.
The victim realised the money was missing and complained to police.
Police also found that McCaskie had obtained substantial extra money from Westpac. During an interview McCaskie admitted she had helped herself to $8000 from the Cherrywood branch's ATM cash float this year and tried to cover the losses by holding a false balance in her teller's cash records.
McCaskie told police she had started gambling after the death of her father four years ago but she was unable to control it.
None of her family were aware of the "double life" she was leading and that she had taken the money to pay off debts.
Judge Peter Rollo told McCaskie she had "fallen far" and must now pay the price.
The harm done to her victims and family was significant, particularly to her husband who had cashed in his superannuation to help repay the stolen money, the judge said. The victim had been reimbursed.
Western Bay police commander Inspector Mike Clement said the case had been handled by a senior investigator from outside the area and McCaskie's husband, a well-regarded member of the Western Bay police, would continue to serve in the police.
The case follows that of Michelle Campbell, 43, who defrauded more than $1 million from Ebbett Tauranga. Campbell was at the time the wife of Tauranga constable Steve Campbell.
Minnesota: Gambling Addiction + $388,000
Network manager admits defrauding company to feed gambling habit
Network manager guilty of mail fraud
After he had burned through his family's assets to feed his gambling addiction, Phillip Adrian Webb found, quite by accident, a way to get his employer to pay for it.
As the head of a credit union's computer network system, Webb knew that when he needed a replacement part from Cisco Systems Inc., they'd send him one and ask him to return the defective part. But he discovered the company seldom checked to see if the faulty part he sent back was actually what he told them it was.
So in the spring of 2007, he hatched the scheme: Tell Cisco he needed a new piece of computer hardware, then when it arrived, he'd sell it online and pocket the proceeds. He then sent some cheap second-hand part back to the company, telling them it was his original broken part.
Over a two-year period, the scheme cost Cisco more than $388,000. On Monday, Webb learned it might cost him nearly three years in prison.
Webb, 46, of Brooklyn Park pleaded guilty to a single count of mail fraud in federal court in Minneapolis. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim listened as Webb acknowledged the elements of the crime and that he knew what rights he was giving up by entering a guilty plea.
Tunheim ordered a presentence investigation into Webb's background but he didn't set a date for sentencing.
"He gambled everything away, including every asset the family owned," defense attorney Michael Colich said of his client after the hearing. "Every penny went to gambling."
Webb was charged last month, and as he appeared before Tunheim, he waived his right to be indicted and also entered a plea of guilty, the product of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Under the deal, both sides agree that federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of 27 to 33 months, although Tunheim is not bound by the agreement or the guidelines.
The defendant was dressed casually as he stood before the judge. Answering questions from Colich and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Otteson, Webb admitted to the workings of the scheme.
Webb, who was born in San Francisco and moved to Minnesota in 1987, finished 11th grade in high school and earned a GED. But he showed a talent for computers and eventually became manager of network services for Postal Credit Union in North St. Paul.
As part of his job, Webb dealt with Cisco, the California-based company that makes computer hardware and software. Under the contract the credit union had with Cisco, if a computer part became defective, Cisco would send a new one via Federal Express and then have Webb return the old part.
Otteson told the judge that sometime before June 2007, Webb accidentally discovered a "glitch" in the computer company's inventory system for returned parts: Cisco didn't know what part Webb had sent back.
He tried it "a few more times" to make sure the glitch was indeed a glitch, Otteson said, and then decided he could use the error to his advantage.
Between June 2007 and October 2009, Webb asked Cisco to replace 55 pieces of hardware, but investigators later found that 42 of the claims were bogus. Thirteen of the parts were genuinely defective.
The charge to which Webb pleaded guilty says that on June 29, 2009, he asked Cisco to replace a faulty Ethernet port switch. Cisco sent the switch, valued at about $7,500. Twelve days later, Webb returned what he claimed was the original defective part, but it was actually a cheap second-hand switch.
Otteson did not say how much Webb profited from the scheme, but he did say the loss to Cisco was about $388,000.
Network manager guilty of mail fraud
After he had burned through his family's assets to feed his gambling addiction, Phillip Adrian Webb found, quite by accident, a way to get his employer to pay for it.
As the head of a credit union's computer network system, Webb knew that when he needed a replacement part from Cisco Systems Inc., they'd send him one and ask him to return the defective part. But he discovered the company seldom checked to see if the faulty part he sent back was actually what he told them it was.
So in the spring of 2007, he hatched the scheme: Tell Cisco he needed a new piece of computer hardware, then when it arrived, he'd sell it online and pocket the proceeds. He then sent some cheap second-hand part back to the company, telling them it was his original broken part.
Over a two-year period, the scheme cost Cisco more than $388,000. On Monday, Webb learned it might cost him nearly three years in prison.
Webb, 46, of Brooklyn Park pleaded guilty to a single count of mail fraud in federal court in Minneapolis. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim listened as Webb acknowledged the elements of the crime and that he knew what rights he was giving up by entering a guilty plea.
Tunheim ordered a presentence investigation into Webb's background but he didn't set a date for sentencing.
"He gambled everything away, including every asset the family owned," defense attorney Michael Colich said of his client after the hearing. "Every penny went to gambling."
Webb was charged last month, and as he appeared before Tunheim, he waived his right to be indicted and also entered a plea of guilty, the product of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Under the deal, both sides agree that federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of 27 to 33 months, although Tunheim is not bound by the agreement or the guidelines.
The defendant was dressed casually as he stood before the judge. Answering questions from Colich and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Otteson, Webb admitted to the workings of the scheme.
Webb, who was born in San Francisco and moved to Minnesota in 1987, finished 11th grade in high school and earned a GED. But he showed a talent for computers and eventually became manager of network services for Postal Credit Union in North St. Paul.
As part of his job, Webb dealt with Cisco, the California-based company that makes computer hardware and software. Under the contract the credit union had with Cisco, if a computer part became defective, Cisco would send a new one via Federal Express and then have Webb return the old part.
Otteson told the judge that sometime before June 2007, Webb accidentally discovered a "glitch" in the computer company's inventory system for returned parts: Cisco didn't know what part Webb had sent back.
He tried it "a few more times" to make sure the glitch was indeed a glitch, Otteson said, and then decided he could use the error to his advantage.
Between June 2007 and October 2009, Webb asked Cisco to replace 55 pieces of hardware, but investigators later found that 42 of the claims were bogus. Thirteen of the parts were genuinely defective.
The charge to which Webb pleaded guilty says that on June 29, 2009, he asked Cisco to replace a faulty Ethernet port switch. Cisco sent the switch, valued at about $7,500. Twelve days later, Webb returned what he claimed was the original defective part, but it was actually a cheap second-hand switch.
Otteson did not say how much Webb profited from the scheme, but he did say the loss to Cisco was about $388,000.
God on Fox News
When one possesses a deep abiding faith from which they derive their publicly professed positions, that is to be respected and admired. Implicit in that faith is an expectation of consistency, a deep respect for morality, honesty, integrity and a respect for humanity.
Jack Abramoff, an Orthodox Jew who proudly displayed his yarmulke and professed his religiosity trashed his ethics, knowingly violated laws and clawed his way to power and money, the ultimate idol. This is not to judge, but instead to reveal the hypocrisy and concealed contempt.
And Ralph Reed, swept up in that arrogance, greed and quest for power, too easily betrayed those 'professed' beliefs for a few Gold Coins.
And now God speaks on Fox News and makes a mockery of deeply held beliefs?
This is very much about GAMBLING.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie's comments below:
Religion, Politics and the Return of Ralph Reed: Is That God or Ambition Talking?
Ralph Reed, the former leader of the Christian Coalition, has founded a new organization entitled the "Faith and Freedom Coalition," intended to mobilize evangelical voters. The founding conference was recently held in Washington. Reed had left political life after his work with con man Jack Abramoff and his role in secretly lobbying for Indian casinos came to light. According to press reports, Reed shared with conference participants his reluctance to reenter the political fray by recounting a phone conversation he had had with Sean Hannity. "I wanted to know that this was not for me, that this was not any ambition of mine," he said to Hannity. "I wanted to know that this was the Lord." Hannity's response: "Ralph, God is speaking through this phone line right now, and he's using me to deliver the message."
There is a tongue-in-cheek quality to this anecdote. (You can agree with Hannity or not, but it's hard to see him as a messenger of God. In fact, it's hard to see any journalist as a messenger of God.) Still, Reed's comments raise some real questions for those of us interested in religion's role in public life.
I am a religious person, and my religious beliefs shape my political outlook. In studying the sacred texts of my tradition, I discern certain values that I try to apply to the world around me. For example, the Hebrew Bible and the other sacred teachings of both Judaism and Christianity demonstrate an almost obsessive concern for the welfare of the poor. (The general assumption of the Bible is that the rich can take care of themselves.) Still, the Bible is not a partisan political handbook. It does not instruct me to be a Democrat or a Republican, a liberal or a conservative, a follower of Keynes or Hayek. My task is to understand Biblical values through the prism of Judaism and then do my best to apply them, on a case-by-case basis, to the political issues of the day. This is a difficult and complicated process, but an unavoidable one for a serious religious person.
I have two worries when it comes to Reed's new coalition. The first is that it will not be an instrument to advance religious values as Reed understands them; instead, it will subordinate religious values to political interests. In other words, it will be used for purely partisan political purposes. This is an issue for both the left and the right. In the religious world, there are both liberal and conservative forces that function more as a political tool than as a voice of religious conscience.
My second worry is that religious coalitions require leaders with true humility. As Reed's little anecdote demonstrates, humility may not be his strong suit. After all, religious organizations that involve themselves in politics can be especially prone to exaggerated claims and hyperbolic pronouncements. As their members struggle to hear whispers of the divine call, their leaders may be tempted to provide answers they do not have or offer certainties that they do not possess. While I hesitate to question the religious experience of anyone else, there are certain times when healthy skepticism is in order. Whenever someone says, "this is not about ambition," I assume that it is. Whenever someone says, "God has spoken to me," I wonder if ego might be at work.
Will Ralph Reed succeed in his "religious comeback"? I don't know. But those who care about religion and ultimately make a difference in American political life tend to follow certain rules. They study the text. They remember that concern for the weak is at the heart of Biblical religious tradition. They perceive the truth as best they can, but know that our knowledge of God's ways is always less than absolute. They keep their pride in check, consult with others and don't assume that they are the only ones to speak for God. I suspect that Reed's success, and the success of all other "religious organizers," will depend on how closely they adhere to these rules.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie.
Jack Abramoff, an Orthodox Jew who proudly displayed his yarmulke and professed his religiosity trashed his ethics, knowingly violated laws and clawed his way to power and money, the ultimate idol. This is not to judge, but instead to reveal the hypocrisy and concealed contempt.
And Ralph Reed, swept up in that arrogance, greed and quest for power, too easily betrayed those 'professed' beliefs for a few Gold Coins.
And now God speaks on Fox News and makes a mockery of deeply held beliefs?
This is very much about GAMBLING.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie's comments below:
Religion, Politics and the Return of Ralph Reed: Is That God or Ambition Talking?
Ralph Reed, the former leader of the Christian Coalition, has founded a new organization entitled the "Faith and Freedom Coalition," intended to mobilize evangelical voters. The founding conference was recently held in Washington. Reed had left political life after his work with con man Jack Abramoff and his role in secretly lobbying for Indian casinos came to light. According to press reports, Reed shared with conference participants his reluctance to reenter the political fray by recounting a phone conversation he had had with Sean Hannity. "I wanted to know that this was not for me, that this was not any ambition of mine," he said to Hannity. "I wanted to know that this was the Lord." Hannity's response: "Ralph, God is speaking through this phone line right now, and he's using me to deliver the message."
There is a tongue-in-cheek quality to this anecdote. (You can agree with Hannity or not, but it's hard to see him as a messenger of God. In fact, it's hard to see any journalist as a messenger of God.) Still, Reed's comments raise some real questions for those of us interested in religion's role in public life.
I am a religious person, and my religious beliefs shape my political outlook. In studying the sacred texts of my tradition, I discern certain values that I try to apply to the world around me. For example, the Hebrew Bible and the other sacred teachings of both Judaism and Christianity demonstrate an almost obsessive concern for the welfare of the poor. (The general assumption of the Bible is that the rich can take care of themselves.) Still, the Bible is not a partisan political handbook. It does not instruct me to be a Democrat or a Republican, a liberal or a conservative, a follower of Keynes or Hayek. My task is to understand Biblical values through the prism of Judaism and then do my best to apply them, on a case-by-case basis, to the political issues of the day. This is a difficult and complicated process, but an unavoidable one for a serious religious person.
I have two worries when it comes to Reed's new coalition. The first is that it will not be an instrument to advance religious values as Reed understands them; instead, it will subordinate religious values to political interests. In other words, it will be used for purely partisan political purposes. This is an issue for both the left and the right. In the religious world, there are both liberal and conservative forces that function more as a political tool than as a voice of religious conscience.
My second worry is that religious coalitions require leaders with true humility. As Reed's little anecdote demonstrates, humility may not be his strong suit. After all, religious organizations that involve themselves in politics can be especially prone to exaggerated claims and hyperbolic pronouncements. As their members struggle to hear whispers of the divine call, their leaders may be tempted to provide answers they do not have or offer certainties that they do not possess. While I hesitate to question the religious experience of anyone else, there are certain times when healthy skepticism is in order. Whenever someone says, "this is not about ambition," I assume that it is. Whenever someone says, "God has spoken to me," I wonder if ego might be at work.
Will Ralph Reed succeed in his "religious comeback"? I don't know. But those who care about religion and ultimately make a difference in American political life tend to follow certain rules. They study the text. They remember that concern for the weak is at the heart of Biblical religious tradition. They perceive the truth as best they can, but know that our knowledge of God's ways is always less than absolute. They keep their pride in check, consult with others and don't assume that they are the only ones to speak for God. I suspect that Reed's success, and the success of all other "religious organizers," will depend on how closely they adhere to these rules.
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie.
President, Union for Reform Judaism
Parx: Culpability?
While Parx rakes in profits by exploiting the poor (see: The McDonald's of Gambling), where is their obligation to check their parking facilities? As this latest case indicates, it was not the vigilance of the Slot Barn that kept these children safe.
Northeast Philly man charged with leaving kids inside car outside casino
Once again, Bensalem officials are scratching their heads.
The word has been out for weeks: Police are on high alert for gamblers who illegally leave children unattended outside the Parx Casino.
But once again, police say, it has happened.
A Northeast Philadelphia man was arrested Thursday after authorities said he left his two young daughters in a minivan in the wee hours of the morning earlier last month while he marked his birthday by gambling inside the casino.
Tan Truong, 38, of the 9600 block of Hoff Street, was charged with endangering the welfare of the girls, ages 8 and 6, who were unharmed.
It was the eighth such incident reported at Parx since June 15, and the first since Sept. 2. Police say 15 children, ranging from 15 months to 15 years, have been left unattended in vehicles by their adult caretakers.
Three fathers, a mother, an aunt, and a grandfather have now been charged criminally in cases that are at various pending stages in the courts.
"You know what? You publicize that people get arrested for murder, but murder still occurs," said Bensalem Police Sgt. Andrew Aninsman when asked why the intense publicity surrounding the episodes hasn't ended them.
The alleged incident occurred Oct. 11, police said, and Truong was questioned at the time, but charges were not filed until last week because the investigation had not been completed.
Police said that Truong had left the children in a Toyota Sienna minivan about 12:50 a.m., the time he entered the casino. Truong's mother, who had arrived separately a few hours earlier, was already inside.
Less than a half-hour later, Aninsman said, the vehicle's alarm went off. The sound got the attention of Parx security workers. At the same time, the girls were calling their grandmother in the casino with a phone their father had left with them.
The grandmother, who was not charged, spoke no English, Aninsman said. It took 25 minutes to locate Truong inside the casino, police said.
"He minimized it," Aninsman said. He said he was celebrating his Oct. 10 birthday, and "said it was only a couple of minutes."
Police said Truong also had been drinking. A preliminary breath test indicated that his blood-alcohol content was over the legal threshold for intoxication, Aninsman said, but it could not be proved that he drove in that condition into the casino.
Truong, who is free without bail, could not be reached for comment. He is scheduled for a Dec. 1 preliminary hearing, at which time bail is expected to be set.
Northeast Philly man charged with leaving kids inside car outside casino
Once again, Bensalem officials are scratching their heads.
The word has been out for weeks: Police are on high alert for gamblers who illegally leave children unattended outside the Parx Casino.
But once again, police say, it has happened.
A Northeast Philadelphia man was arrested Thursday after authorities said he left his two young daughters in a minivan in the wee hours of the morning earlier last month while he marked his birthday by gambling inside the casino.
Tan Truong, 38, of the 9600 block of Hoff Street, was charged with endangering the welfare of the girls, ages 8 and 6, who were unharmed.
It was the eighth such incident reported at Parx since June 15, and the first since Sept. 2. Police say 15 children, ranging from 15 months to 15 years, have been left unattended in vehicles by their adult caretakers.
Three fathers, a mother, an aunt, and a grandfather have now been charged criminally in cases that are at various pending stages in the courts.
"You know what? You publicize that people get arrested for murder, but murder still occurs," said Bensalem Police Sgt. Andrew Aninsman when asked why the intense publicity surrounding the episodes hasn't ended them.
The alleged incident occurred Oct. 11, police said, and Truong was questioned at the time, but charges were not filed until last week because the investigation had not been completed.
Police said that Truong had left the children in a Toyota Sienna minivan about 12:50 a.m., the time he entered the casino. Truong's mother, who had arrived separately a few hours earlier, was already inside.
Less than a half-hour later, Aninsman said, the vehicle's alarm went off. The sound got the attention of Parx security workers. At the same time, the girls were calling their grandmother in the casino with a phone their father had left with them.
The grandmother, who was not charged, spoke no English, Aninsman said. It took 25 minutes to locate Truong inside the casino, police said.
"He minimized it," Aninsman said. He said he was celebrating his Oct. 10 birthday, and "said it was only a couple of minutes."
Police said Truong also had been drinking. A preliminary breath test indicated that his blood-alcohol content was over the legal threshold for intoxication, Aninsman said, but it could not be proved that he drove in that condition into the casino.
Truong, who is free without bail, could not be reached for comment. He is scheduled for a Dec. 1 preliminary hearing, at which time bail is expected to be set.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Illinois: Same Old, Same Old
This all sounds so familiar:
closed door meetings with Industry
major gambling expansion
lame duck session
slots at tracks
consequences be damned!
All instead of sensible fiscal policy and sustainable economic policy to exploit those least able to afford it!
Tripling casino gambling would raise social costs
Gambling interests and lawmakers are working behind closed doors on a massive expansion of gambling that includes video gambling/slot machines at racetracks; a land-based casino in Chicago (twice the size of other casinos); 800 more gambling positions at existing casinos, and casinos in Lake County and Danville.
This proposal could triple the amount of casino gambling in Illinois.
This is a very dangerous time for legislators to push through expansion of gambling. Even if current legislators lose in the election, they can still vote on public policy issues until the new General Assembly convenes in January.
Legalizing slots at racetracks will not help horse racing. When slot machines were introduced at racetracks in other states, betting on horses decreased 20 to 40 percent and slot machine accounted for about 90 percent of revenue. Horse racing becomes a side show, and the tracks become land-based casinos.
Gambling has high costs and promises more than it can deliver.
Pathological gambling rates double within a 50-mile radius of a gambling facility.
For every $1 of revenue from casinos, the cost is at least $3 because of criminal justice, regulatory and social costs.
The Legislature greatly expanded gambling last year, with ADW (Internet bets) for horse racing, video gambling and Internet lottery.
When large, complex bills are rushed through, mistakes are made and the people lose. Legislators need to be accountable to the people, and "lame ducks" should not rush through a massive expansion of gambling on their way out the door.
Anita Bedell,
executive director,
Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems
closed door meetings with Industry
major gambling expansion
lame duck session
slots at tracks
consequences be damned!
All instead of sensible fiscal policy and sustainable economic policy to exploit those least able to afford it!
Tripling casino gambling would raise social costs
Gambling interests and lawmakers are working behind closed doors on a massive expansion of gambling that includes video gambling/slot machines at racetracks; a land-based casino in Chicago (twice the size of other casinos); 800 more gambling positions at existing casinos, and casinos in Lake County and Danville.
This proposal could triple the amount of casino gambling in Illinois.
This is a very dangerous time for legislators to push through expansion of gambling. Even if current legislators lose in the election, they can still vote on public policy issues until the new General Assembly convenes in January.
Legalizing slots at racetracks will not help horse racing. When slot machines were introduced at racetracks in other states, betting on horses decreased 20 to 40 percent and slot machine accounted for about 90 percent of revenue. Horse racing becomes a side show, and the tracks become land-based casinos.
Gambling has high costs and promises more than it can deliver.
Pathological gambling rates double within a 50-mile radius of a gambling facility.
For every $1 of revenue from casinos, the cost is at least $3 because of criminal justice, regulatory and social costs.
The Legislature greatly expanded gambling last year, with ADW (Internet bets) for horse racing, video gambling and Internet lottery.
When large, complex bills are rushed through, mistakes are made and the people lose. Legislators need to be accountable to the people, and "lame ducks" should not rush through a massive expansion of gambling on their way out the door.
Anita Bedell,
executive director,
Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems
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