UPDATE: Large Opposition to possible new Missouri casino at local planning meeting

Casino Watch Focus reported that a meeting was being held by the St Louis Planning Commission regarding a possible new casino in North St Louis.  Now, The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting the results of the meeting and feelings of the community – and it wasn’t very positive for the casinos:

Opponents turned out at the hearing in large numbers to voice concerns about North County Development’s plans for a casino…Dora Gianoulakis, president of the Spanish Lake Community Association and an opposition leader, called the umbrella of individuals and groups allied against the developers “an interesting mixture of people.”

That mixture has brought together disparate worldviews. Conservative Christians have found themselves standing alongside environmentalists, for instance. And anti-gambling Christians may link up with the last group they’d ever expected to agree with — owners of the six other casinos in the St. Louis area.

There are a number of reasons to voice opposition and The Post Dispatch outlined a number of those arguments:

The concern among some Christians in Spanish Lake extends beyond what they see as the moral hazards of gambling. “This is also about the stewardship of our environment,” said the Rev. Daniel Hite, chairman of Missouri Clergy Against Gambling Expansion. “The environmental impact is part of the consideration.”

A waterfowl refuge that makes up a large section of the southern part of the conservation area, and that is closed to the public for four months out of the year, parallels the northern border of the proposed casino complex site, and is separated from it by only 500 feet.

[Also]… members of Spanish Lake’s faith community say a casino would hinder their efforts to work with the poor. People with fewer means tend to be attracted to the lure of easy money won at a casino, they say, and when they lose the little money they have, the cycle continues.

For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH, & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION

A brief look at crime 8/10 – 8/16

Ontario mom ‘on roll’ in casino leaves infant in car

A Tilbury woman, who was “on a roll” while gambling, faces charges after a six-month-old infant was found in a vehicle parked in the Caesars Windsor parking garage in the early morning hours of Aug. 6, 2009.

Two Men Charged in 2001 Killing of Karaoke Club Guard

Federal prosecutors announced murder indictments Wednesday against two men in the 2001 killing of a security guard at a karaoke club in Queens.  the men were members and associates of the Ah Jun, an organized crime enterprise, the Ah Jun engaged in murder, extortion, illegal gambling and narcotics trafficking, among other crimes.

3 arrested in Blu-ray DVD theft ring

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement found thousands of dollars worth of DVDs and other items when it executed a search warrant on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at the home of Gregory Marinitz, whom officials say ran a multimillion-dollar theft ring. “Our investigation reveals he has a significant gambling problem,”

Underage Gambling Leads To Large Fine For Atlantic City Hilton

The latest case of underage gambling in Atlantic City makes it appear that the casinos in the city must be severely disregarding gambling age requirements. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission fined the AC Hilton $115,000, and they have put other AC casinos on notice in the process.  In the case of the Hilton, a nineteen year old was given a players club card and proceeded to play many table games including blackjack, roulette, and poker. He also played slot machines. The gambler played so much, that he was even given a comped room.

Kickbacks from adult clubs to cab drivers spur legal battle

Several Las Vegas taxi companies and adult clubs are firing back in a lawsuit over commissions topless and nude clubs pay to cab drivers for bringing them customers, and both sides appear to be digging in for a long legal fight.  The suit charges consumers have been harmed because taxi and limousine companies have extorted more than $40 million in illegal kickbacks from local strip clubs in exchange for diverting customers to the adult establishments.

Teen’s bets cost Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort $115,000

But this would-be high roller actually was a teenager whose gambling spree between March 2007 and April 2008 cost Hilton a $115,000 fine Wednesday in one of the most egregious cases of underage gambling in Atlantic City’s 31-year history of casinos. Bally’s Atlantic City was fined $157,500 in November for allowing a 20-year-old woman to play the slot machines and gaming tables during an 18-day gambling binge in 2006. Kassekert said the penalty against Hilton was so severe because the casino ignored warnings from the state Division of Gaming Enforcement that the teenager was gambling there. Investigators tipped off Hilton on April 7, 2008, but the casino allowed him to gamble the following day.

Canada Man Faces Fraud Charges Related To Internet Gambling

Federal prosecuters indicted a Canadian resident on charges of bank fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling offenses related to his alleged role in processing more than $350 million for Internet gambling companies.  The indictment seeks the forfeit of about $565.9 million,

Ex-worker must repay $200,000

A former medical secretary was placed on probation yesterday and ordered to pay back $200,000 she admitted stealing from the doctor for whom she worked.  Ms. Grensavitch also was ordered, as conditions of probation, to continue to attend Gamblers Anonymous, to advise any future employers of her conviction, and to avoid acting in any fiduciary capacity.

Multi-Million Dollar Internet Cafe Gambling Operation Busted

Internet gambling cafes have become a popular target for authorities around the country. Dozens of these cafes have been busted for illegal gambling operations in the past six months. Authorities busted what they believe to be a multi-million dollar operation. Six people were arrested in the operation and hit with gambling related charges.

Exeter high-flier stole £100,000 to fund gambling

HIGH-FLIER Andrew May has been jailed for a year for stealing more than £100,000 from a city firm.  [He] admitted at Exeter Crown Court to three thefts by an employee, from the city branch of the insurance firm Friends Provident, totalling £112,952.  He was a well-respected technical consultant at the insurance firm, with access to confidential information, who stole two deceased clients’ pensions and from a tax refund to another pension, to fund his gambling addiction.  The court heard he had been a talented amateur rugby, football and cricket player

For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH, & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION

Rep Barney Frank said freedom to gamble online outweighs dangers to children

Casino Watch Focus reported that Rep Barney Frank introduced a bill to legalize internet gambling despite an overwhelming amount of opposition.  Now, in a radio interview on Nevada Public Radio, Frank is claiming that personal freedom to gamble online should outweigh the need to protect children.  Frank believes that because the Internet has other dangers to children, the government should simply disregard the impact to our children:

When asked about claims from Spencer Bachus and others that online gambling puts children at risk, Frank deftly defended his regulatory bill.  Frank said it is “insensible to say the only danger on the Internet is gambling.” The Massachusetts Representative pointed out that many products online are guarded by age restrictions.

For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH, & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION

FL cruise ships looking to become local casinos

The Orlando Sentinel has reported that the Canaveral Port Authority is looking to legislators to allow gambling on their ships while in port.  Right now, cruise ships can only offer gambling three miles off the coast because they are in international waters.  The Orlando Sentinel explains:

Under the plan — being lobbied for by Canaveral’s two existing cruise-to-nowhere operators, SunCruz Casino and Las Vegas Casino Lines — as many as three ships would be allowed to run gaming operations from 7a.m. until 2a.m. every day at the port.

But the plan faces long odds. It will almost certainly generate intense opposition in the state Capitol from evangelical groups, competing pari-mutuels and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which runs its own casinos.

The Port Authority will also face a tough Republican controlled legislature and a major player who has consistently stood strong on the side of families – Disney.  The Orlando Sentinel continues:

Port Canaveral could face opposition from its signature cruise tenant: Disney Cruise Line, whose parent company has historically fought efforts to expand gambling in Florida.

Unlike rival cruise operators Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Disney did not include casinos when it built its two cruise ships.  Disney, which recently signed a 15-year contract extension to continue sailing from Canaveral, was never briefed by the port on the gambling plan.

For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH, & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION

Statement on Proposition A

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nov 4, 2008) ST LOUIS – In today’s election, Proposition A has been passed.

Evelio Silvera, spokesperson for Casino Watch Committee issued the following statement:

“We are grateful for all those who joined us in this grassroots effort to protect Missouri families. We stood strong in a bipartisan effort along side both gubernatorial candidates, elected officials, superintendents, educators, virtually every major state newspaper, and Missouri citizens. It is unfortunate however, that the $16 million, carefully constructed campaign of distraction, has succeeded, especially in light of all three Missouri teachers unions refusing to endorse Proposition A. We wish we were able to deliver this message to more families.”

“We are truly a grassroots campaign made up of volunteers around the state. We want to thank them for their effort as well as other key organizations such as Eagle Forum, Concerned Woman of America, Family Research Council and Focus on the Family, Missouri Family Network, The Missouri Catholic Conference, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and especially Bott Radio Network.”

MEDIA ADVISORY: No on A officially launches opposition campaign to Proposition A

ST LOUIS (10/6/08) ­ NO on A, organized by Casino Watch Committee, officially launches its campaign to oppose Proposition A in a matter of hours.

“Proposition A comes before voters when they are facing troubling economic times.  The housing market is in disarray, fuel and gas prices are at all time highs, the cost of living is increasing and people fear they could lose their jobs. Proposition A can only raise $100 Million in new revenue for the state if Missourians lose over $2 billion next year alone. Regardless of your position on gambling, this is the worst possible time to make losers of the people,” Spokesperson Evelio Silvera said.

Casino Watch Committee will be traveling the state to visit with communities about the dangers of this measure and holding press conferences at the following times and locations:

Tuesday Oct. 7:

10:00 AM  – St. Louis (Chesterfield)
Pillar in the Valley
229 Chesterfield Business Pkwy
Chesterfield, MO 63005

3:00pm ­  – Jefferson City
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Springfield Room, 2nd Floor
415 W. McCarty St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Wednesday Oct. 8:

10:00 AM -  ­ Kansas City
Marriott County Club Plaza
4445 Main Street
Kansas City, MO

4:00PM ­  – Springfield
DoubleTree Hotel
2431 N Glenstone Ave
Springfield Mo 65803

Statements on the $500 Loss Limit from gubernatorial candidates Jay Nixon and Kenny Hulshof will be available at all press conferences. Other elected officials may be in attendance as well.

“Proposition A is an attempt to trick Missourians into thinking that the measure has to do with school funding when it is really just a cover for casino self-interests and a massive expansion of gambling,” Silvera said.

In a statement to the Missouri Joint Committee on Education, members of the Senate Minority Caucus explained that as much as half of Missouri schools would not receive any money at all and only 19 cents of every dollar would go to the few eligible schools.  This is because Proposition A does not give the money directly the school districts, but instead filters it through the funding formula leaving potentially $81 million dollars unaccounted for.

No on A’s website, www.NOonA.com,  will officially launch the morning of October 7th.

XXXX

NEWS ALERT: Lawsuit filed today challenges constitutionality of casino-backed “Yes for Schools First” initiative

Press Release from Casino Watch

Lawsuit filed today challenges constitutionality of casino-backed “Yes for Schools First” initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON CITY – 8/14/08 – A lawsuit was filed today in Cole County Circuit Court challenging the constitutional validity of the casino-backed ballot initiative, which was certified last week by Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan. The initiative petition seeks to not only remove the $500 loss limit, but it also seeks to place a cap on the number of casino licenses.

Those two actions, according to the lawsuit, are not only different subjects, but they are also “competing positions with varying purposes.”

Audrey McIntosh, the filing attorney explained, “The Missouri Constitution requires that voters be given a single subject when changes to state laws are proposed by initiative petitions. This lawsuit raises the constitutionality of having numerous subjects placed before voters in the same ballot measure.”

Evelio Silvera, Executive Director of Casino Watch, a St. Louis based watchdog organization, said, “Missourians should have a fair opportunity to vote for a single subject and not be disenfranchised by being forced to chose between multiple subjects. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in the debate and inform the voters of Missouri on the nature of the issues.”

Silvera also commented on the deceptive nature of the casino coalition calling themselves “Yes for Schools First,” as they are entirely funded by the casino industry who is not looking out for schools, but rather their own bottom line.

Silvera explained, “the casino’s have long tried to tie gambling money to education in an attempt to gain support for expanded gambling, but this petition goes beyond what is constitutionally allowed.”

Back from a break

After a short hiatus, Casino Watch Focus is back in action and poised to launch some new features on this blog. You can continue to expect news and commentary on a variety of gambling issues, in addition to new audio and video features. We will be adding these new features in the days and weeks to come and encourage you to visit back often!

Thanks.

Voters Say It’s Time to End Smoking in Kansas City

Guest Article by Laurel Spencer

In a metro-wide attempt to curb public smoking, Kansas City voters and the North Kansas City Council approved smoking bans that would prohibit smokers from lighting up in restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Aimed to take place in August, the ban is complete with strict restrictions and heavy fines for violators, but what would appear to be a simple measure of public regulation may not be as cut and dry as it seems.

One item of particular interest is the effect that this ban would have on the casinos in the Kansas City area. Currently, the smoking restrictions would not extend to casinos, unless all of the surrounding gaming facilities enact similar laws. So far, downtown Kansas City, KS and Riverside are the only areas not conforming to the voice of the people, and it doesn’t appear that they are likely to change.

Billy Friend, second chief of the tribe that controls the 7th street casino located in downtown Kansas City, said that smoking is a big part of the establishment and the tribe plans to resist any attempts to implement such restrictions on grounds of tribal sovereignty.  However, there is some debate as to whether the 7th street casino would affect the surrounding area as defined by the current smoking bans.  The language of the bans seem to suggest that it does but there are a myriad of reasons why its should not factor into the decision including the fact the 7th street “casino” is actually defined as a bingo parlor.

Although there are potential legal issues concerning the tribal gaming facility, Riverside definitely is fair game in regards to the ban. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like they are eager to implement it any time soon either.

The Kansas City Star reports that “Riverside officials also show no sign of a considering a ban anytime soon that might affect the Argosy Casino Hotel and Spa within its borders.”

Efforts should be made to contact downtown Kansas City and Riverside officials and remind them that the voice of the people has already spoken in favor of the ban. It is fitting that those representing the county should respect the wishes of the Kansas City, Kansas voters and the 7-1 majority ruling of approval from the North Kansas City Council by enacting the smoking ban.

gambling instead of eating

Guest Commentary by David Randolph:

‘Put your money where your mouth is.’ This is an adage that many Australians have apparently decided to ignore.  According to the Australian newspaper the Herald Sun, “In 2006-07, …(Australians) spent almost $91.5 million, or $4350 each, on food, Bureau of Statistics figures say.”

But gaming industry figures show that in 2005-06 (Australian) adults spent $148 million — an average of $9491 each — on gambling, though the figures do also include tourists

Statistics like these force us to question how far gambling addiction can take each one of us. Your money goes to what matters to you, and when gambling becomes more important than our basic neccesities it has come time to take a step back and have an honest discussion on the destructive effects of gambling. I hope that Australians will take a long hard look at these compelling figures and decide what must be done to eradicate gambling addiction in their country.

Woman Gets Kicked out of KS City Council Meeting for Expressing Her Opinion

Guest Article by Laurel Spencer

If you don’t have something nice to say, you’d better be prepared to face the consequences. That’s what happened to Jacque Farnsworth when two armed policemen escorted her out of a city hall meeting after expressing views that were less than supportive about the new casino to be built in Mulvane, Kansas.

After stating that the casino would prove a poor decision for the local economy, the Wellington Daily News reports Mulvane Mayor Jim Ford called Farnsworth’s comments out of order, and, after a brief argument, had her escorted from the premises.

Farnsworth was not the only one whose opinion was silenced; apparently anyone who cared to voice any opposition to the casino was called out of order, even when a City Council Member expressed his desire to hear their concerns. Those who were in support of the casino, however, were permitted to express their excitement over the proposition. These actions, along with her removal from the building, caused Farnsworth to file a lawsuit against the city of Mulvane and her Mayor for violating what Farnsworth calls her Constitutional right of free speech. The lawsuit states,

None of those individuals expressing the view that the casino would be good for the community required a City Council member to speak up for them before they were allowed to continue speaking. Defendants’ policy and practice of censoring speech based on content and viewpoint violated, and is violating, clearly established law.

One of her attorneys, Kevin Theoriot of the Alliance Defense Fund, said,

The city council seemed to deliberately want to silence any sincere objections to the location of a casino in this small town.

This attempt to present casinos as a boom to small towns and a help to the economy ignores the heinous consequences that so often come about as a result of this money-hungry institution and proves a blatant infringement of our right to free speech. If casinos are indeed such a help to mankind and to the economy, why cannot one of the thousands of casinos around the world prove by their example that this so? No amount of censoring will be able to change the fact that casinos are no good for the well-being of anyone…unless, of course, you run a casino.

Newly Passed Senate Bill Means Less Influence For Average Voter…Maybe More Influence for Casinos

Guest Article by Chris Schultheis:

Two weeks ago, in a flurry to pass as many bills as possible before the session ended, Senate Bill 1038 was passed, repealing the limit on campaign contributions.  This seems to be a move that goes completely against the will of the people.  The Springfield News-Leader explains

As we’ve said in this space before, opening up the floodgates to high-powered donors takes the power to influence debate out of the hands of the average voter.

Missourians showed in a referendum in 1994 that they overwhelmingly supported controls on campaign contributions. A total of 73.9 percent voted to establish limits

With more and more contributions from powerful donors, the average voter stands to lose more and more influence over legislators.  This legislative manuver opens up opportunities for big companies such as casinos to wield greater influence over legislators than the general population.

According to CasinoWatch.org, since 2004, casinos have used more than $1.5 million dollars to influence legislation with the limitations in place.  Now that those limitations have been repealed, it is likely that we will see this number build exponentially in an attempt to influence the legislature in removing the loss limit and expand gambling in order to fatten casino’s wallets.

Taking a Gamble With the Powerball? You Might Want to Think Twice

Guest Article from Laurel Spencer:

With the promise of lavish wealth and complete monetary freedom, it is no wonder why countless Americans choose to take a gamble at the powerball. While this ethereal hope glimmers in so many hearts, powerball winner Jack Whitaker is thinking twice about the fortune he acquired some 6 years ago.

After winning a $315 million powerball in 2002, Whitaker’s previously happy and carefree life has gone steadily down hill. According to the Columbia Tribune’s article from the Associated Press, divorce has driven away Whitaker’s wife and lifetime sweetheart of 8th grade, and he has suffered the loss of his granddaughter, friends, dignity, and reputation. Whitaker explains in the article:

I don’t have any friends. Every friend that I’ve had, practically, has wanted to borrow money or something, and … once they borrow money from you, you can’t be friends anymore.

Since he won the lottery, Whitaker has been sued repeatedly and has been involved in a total of 460 legal actions; burglary to his house and car have also become a prevalent issue. Additionally, Whitaker’s gambling and drinking problems have become wide spread and have smeared his reputation, causing his wife to file papers for divorce. During this time the Associated Press reports he also suffered the loss of his beloved 17-year-old granddaughter due to a drug overdose.

Although the promise of acquiring a fortune devoid of work of any kind is a tempting offer, one must take pause to wonder if the price tag associated with such winnings is really worth it. Surely no one would stay to wonder if playing a “harmless game” could uproot someone’s life or rob them of their joy, but the consequences of such actions are, in many cases, undeniable and are indeed a matter worthy of consideration.

new video feature added

We have just updated this blog by adding a video feature on the right hand column below our “links” section. We will be adding our latest audio and video public service announcements and commercials in addition to interviews and important news updates.

You can view all of our current loss limit public service announcements right now in the video section.

A growing but deadly college trend

Guest Article:

The public is recently becoming more aware of college students’ growing draw toward gambling. A recent story by ABC’s New York affiliate WSYR covered addiction counselor Jim Klein’s recent talk at Syracuse University. WSYR’s coverage of Mr. Klein recaps his speaking on the phases of pathological gambling – winning, losing, and desperation and how Klein explains “…the desperation phase speaks for itself.”

The network reports that studies are showing that one in five teens in the central New York state area has gambling problems. This new addiction among college students is on the rise, and it is definitely something to be concerned about, as it is the “invisible addiction,” as Klein calls it, since it has no tells like the addiction of drug abuse.

WSYR concludes that this new wave of gambling among college students is “…costing students and their parents thousands of dollars each year – and in some instances, their lives.” As an addiction counselor, Klein confirms that the depression resulting from the “desperation phase” can easily spiral out of control. Channel 9’s records “’The first three men I saw said they wanted to commit suicide, because of their gambling problem,’ Klein said.”