Live Casino & Hotel in Hanover teamed up with the American Gaming Association Thursday to promote business opportunities for small, minority-owned firms and highlight the industry's economic impact in Maryland.

Association representatives are touring U.S. casinos to highlight gambling's impact on local businesses. Events at the Hanover facility included a minority business outreach fair and panel discussion with industry, state and county officials led by Donald Fry, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

"I've seen firsthand the positive impact the industry has had in Maryland" in creating jobs and spurring economic development and tourism, Fry said.

The casino has spent about $100 million for services and products from local and minority-owned businesses and continues to seek such vendors out, said Rob Norton, president of global gaming for casino owner Cordish Cos.,

Panel member Tony Hill, a managing partner of Annapolis-based office furniture supplier Edwards and Hill, said the casino has given his business a boost.

"There are lots of clients where you have some work and have to move on ... but they continue to make sure they are good partners," Hill said. "It helps small businesses like mine to create a pipeline of business, which is what we need to be able to grow."

The U.S. gambling industry supports 350,000 small-business jobs, according to research by Spectrum Gaming Group for the association. The report looked at nearly a dozen markets in the U.S. to assess gambling's direct and indirect impact on small local businesses. It found gambling has the largest impact in small to midsized communities.

The five-year-old Live Casino employs 3,000 people and was the top taxpayer in the state last year, casino officials said.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the gambling association, said the group is trying to correct misconceptions and "shine a light on what the industry's doing."

lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com

The rest is here:

Live Casino hosts event to connect small firms to gambling industry ... - Baltimore Sun

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Friday, June 23, 2017, 6:00 AM

Dont expect to spot Amy Poehler at the craps table.

The actress discovered shes no fan of gambling while filming The House a casino-based comedy that hits theaters June 30.

We had to spend some time in Las Vegas, she told the Daily News. I realized that I get too grouchy when I lose my money. Like my trip is ruined when I have to hand over my money to a man in a shiny vest. I would much rather have a very fancy dinner and go see Britney [Spears].

In The House, Poehler, 45, and Will Ferrell star as a married couple who discover that the scholarship they were counting on for their daughters college tuition hasnt come through. So they open an illegal casino in the basement of their neighbor Franks (Jason Mantzoukas) suburban home. Naturally, things dont go according to plan.

If you take anything away from this movie its never too late to make a bad decision with the one you love, Poehler laughs.

The comedian best known for starring in Parks and Recreation and being a Saturday Night Live cast member admits that the main reason she signed on for the flick was to play opposite Ferrell.

The two havent worked together much their time on SNL only overlapped by a year and they both appeared in the skating comedy Blades of Glory.

He can play super alpha-maniac and then really dumb low-status guy, Poehler said. Hes just the funniest, a great person. I think we work in a similar way. We like to work hard and be nice, normal people.

Poehler, whose impersonations on SNL included Hillary Clinton, was an ardent supporter of the presidential candidate and hosts a website called Amy Poehlers Smart Girls, which showcases women who are changing the world by being themselves.

The actress admits to being disheartened by the election so much of the first half of this year has been recovering from shocking rhetoric, she says but adds that what really helps her get through it is spending time with famous pals like Rashida Jones and Tina Fey.

The news is so bleak, everybody feels so desperate and in these times, deep, hearty laughs feel like oxygen. Sometimes they feel like things that can get through grief, Poehler said.

Poehler, who has two sons, Archie, 8, and Abel, 6, with ex-husband Will Arnett, remembers keeping her sons up to watch the election results.

The night turned into a complete disaster where I had to remind them that theyre white boys who are going to grow up to be white men and theyre going to have to decide what kind of men they want to be in the world, she says. You try to create little compassionate people and try to keep them tenderhearted for as long as you can. God, its hard.

When theyre looking to lighten things up, Poehler and her kids watch The Simpsons.

This summer, Poehler, who now lives in L.A., looks forward to visiting New York.

The secret is to go in the summer, she says. Everyone has split the city. There are tourists, but you can just push them out of the way.

And as for the wafting odors of urine and rotting garbage that are amplified on city streets in summer, Poehlers not concerned.

Look, if you want to win the beauty pageant, go live somewhere else, she says. New York is the best, best, best city in the world.

Original post:

Amy Poehler realized she hates gambling while filming 'The House ... - New York Daily News

I have immense esteem for my friend Norm Singleton at the Campaign for Liberty. His lengthy Capitol Hill experience, depth of knowledge, and humor have duly earned him respect from operators across the political spectrum. Therefore, when I read his piece disagreeing with my predictions on the future of Internet gambling, I took it to heart.

Norm wrote that he doesnt share my optimistic assessment that the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), under Attorney General Jess Sessions, is unlikely to reverse OLCs 2011 opinion. This memo, which clarified that the Wire Act of 1961 applied only to sports betting and opened the door for states to legalize Internet gambling within their borders.

It is true that Sessions did promise to review this memo during his confirmation hearingmaking it practically mandatory he do something. However, other forces at play make the chance that OLC will broadly reinterpret or withdraw the memo highly unlikely, even if Sessions or even President Trump demand it.

What is the OLC?

Federal law empowers the attorney general to provide legal advice to the various aspects of the executive branch. The Office of Legal Counsela shop of about two dozen lawyersis the office that provides these opinions. Often referred to as the presidents law firm, the advice of OLC lawyers is sought to clarify some of the most vexing legal questions the federal government faces about the Constitution and federal statutes. These opinions are binding for executive agencies, and because the questions they address are unlikely to surface in the judicial arena, often represent the final word on these matters.

For the most part, OLC advice is sought on a voluntary basis; there is no requirement for the president or agencies to submit legal questions to OLC (except for certain questions arising within the military, disputes between agencies, and review of proposed executive orders). Despite this, and having its own in-house legal counsel, the White House is still one of the most frequent solicitors of OLC advice.

Why would the White Housewhich has its own highly capable in-house counselrequire the opinion of OLC? The answer is that OLC, unlike White House counsel, is perceived as an independent entity with a reputation for serious, even-handed analysis, not mere advocacy. And though the president can overrule OLC opinion (though that is extremely rare), he or she is bound by the oath of office to operate within the confines of the Constitution.

The White House seeks out OLC opinions when it wants to avoid litigation, get cover for politically controversial actions, and point to credible outside support for its decisions. The value of OLC opinions depends on maintaining this credibility, which is already on shaky ground thanks to the actions of President George W. Bush and his OLC.

OLC and precedent

OLCs reputation for integrity is grounded in its adherence to the highest standards of legal interpretation. Part of this has to do with the fact that the office respects the opinions of its predecessors; it doesnt simply reverse decisions each time the nation elects a new administration with a different political ideology.

OLC opinions operate like judicial precedent. OLC internal policy directs statutory interpretation to be guided by the text of the law, give great weight to previous OLC opinions, and not lightly depart from such past decisions, particularly where they directly address and decide a point in question. (See 2005 and 2010 memoranda Best practices for OLC opinions).

Opinions can be overturned, but as with judicial precedent, OLC historically has set a high bar for reversing previous opinions, even when they appear to be wrongly decided. Take, for example, President Bill Clintons executive order eliminating eligibility for government contracts companies that hired permanent employees to replace workers on strike. When asked to review Clintons proposed order, OLC stood by the opinion of George H.W. Bushs OLC, even though the Office believed both the Bush and Clinton orders were erroneous (a suspicion confirmed when courts invalidated Clintons order and questioned the legality of Bushs).

The notable exception to this commitment to precedent occurred under George W. Busha controversy from which OLC is still recovering.

OLC and Politics

Shortly after Congress confirmed Jack Goldmsith as OLC head in 2003, he reviewed and ultimately withdrew his predecessors opinion that enhanced interrogation methods (e.g. waterboarding) were legal. This reversal met OLCs high bar for diverting from precedent, which Georgetown Law Professor David Luban described as aggressive advocacy briefs that barely go through the motions of standard legal argument and represent violation of craft values common to all legal interpretive communities.

After forcing Goldsteins resignation, the Bush administration appointed a new OLC head who quickly reinstated tortures legality by issuing new memos. These would later be withdrawn under the Obama administrationin a manner that, again, met the threshold for reversalbut it came at a great cost.

The revelations of the Bush-era OLCs advocacy, the withdrawing of no fewer than seven opinions during the Obama era, and the invalidation of OLC-approved executive orders by courts in both the Obama and now Trump administrations have severely damaged the Offices reputation as an objective purveyor of legal advice and even led to calls for it to be abolished.

Herein lies the danger for the current administration.

Destroying what you need later

There is still value in obtaining OLC opinions favorable to the presidents agenda items. For example, Trump may seek the Offices advice on the legality of sending troops into foreign nations or new immigration rules. However, strong-arming it into creating an Internet gambling prohibition where none exists in statute could be the straw that breaks the back of OLCs credibility. Considering how politically divisive just about every Trump action seems to be, it would be unwise to destroy any instrument that might provide him with cover.

It is possible that President Trump and Attorney General Sessions are too shortsighted to see this danger. However, Steven A. Engel, Trumps nominee to head OLC, is not ignorant to this risk.

Engel served in OLC as an assistant during the George W. Bush administration and even had a hand in writing and reviewing some of thosenow withdrawnmemos on interrogation. He insists to this day that there was a legal basis to support OLCs opinion on torture, but that scandal still haunts not only the Office, and Engel himself.

Unlike the opinion on enhanced interrogation methods, even the most tortured reading (pun intended) of statute and legislative history would not support interpreting the Wire Act as prohibiting Internet gambling. As the 2011 OLC memo itself documented, Congress was not at all ambiguous about limiting the Act to only sports gambling. Withdrawing or overruling that opinion based simply on the desires of the current administration would eliminate OLCs remaining credibility.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Engel described OLC as an outfit with a standard for integrity, independence, and professionalism, and he vowed that if confirmed he would be a faithful steward of the Office so as to preserve and build its reputation and to pass on the Office stronger to its future leadership.

It doesnt sound like Engel wants his legacy as the man who helmed OLC as it sunk. I cannot imagine Trump or Sessions could find any viable candidate who would.

Thus, while my friend Norm is right to fear that online gambling is still on Jeff Sessionss hit list, I still think that the OLC is unlikely to aid or abet him in that effort.

The rest is here:

Why OLC is Unlikely to Criminalize Online Gambling - Competitive Enterprise Institute (blog)

Australia's football codes should follow the lead of the English Football Association and sever ties to gambling companies, says Nick Xenophon.

The FA has ended its sponsorship deals with betting company Ladbrokes and confirmed it will cease all commercial arrangements with gambling firms.

Senator Xenophon said he believed all Australian football codes should follow the FA's lead.

"The UK has recognised the potential of gambling to undermine and compromise sport and the harm it can do to fans," Senator Xenophon told AAP on Friday.

"Some of the biggest gambling addicts in the country are the AFL and NRL because of their deals with gambling companies."

He said if the codes did not act voluntarily he would seek to legislate the ban.

A "weaning off" period of three to five years would be appropriate, the South Australian senator said.

In April, former Manchester City and Burnley midfielder Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after he was found to have made more than 1200 bets on football matches.

Barton, who said he had a gambling addiction, had pointed out the heavy involvement of the gambling industry in British football where bookmakers act as sponsors at several levels.

Originally posted here:

Give gambling firms the boot: Xenophon - NEWS.com.au

Image: Tony Marshall

IT WAS FOUR years ago when the former Bolton striker Kevin Davies wrote about a team-mate who was checking his phone in the toilet during half-time of a league game because he had 20,000 resting on the result of a horse race.

Its also four years since Keith Gillespie revealed he lost 62,000 during a 48-hour gambling spree.

Its seven years since Matthew Etherington admitted to having gambled his weekly wage of 20,000 between getting on and stepping off the team bus before a game.

And still, despite the epidemic, its only now that the FA have decided to take action and step away from their own sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes, which was worth 4m per year.

But, as embarrassing as it is that the governing body for football in England has taken so long to make a stand, at least they have done.

In complete contrast, clubs continue to treat partnerships with gambling companies as a lucrative bit of business, regardless of the signal it sends.

The three players mentioned above Davies, Gillespie and Etherington played for (at their height) Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke City and West Ham.

The irony is that all four of those clubs count on a gambling company as their main shirt sponsor, despite their former employees well-documented battle with gambling addiction.

It was only earlier this month that Bolton announced Betfred as their new partner. Stoke had little issue in rechristening the Brittania Stadium when they aligned themselves with Bet365. West Hams deal with Betway is the biggest deal in the clubs history.

And, of course, Newcastle have never really been ones for integrity when it comes to sponsorship.

Their 24m three-year deal with Fun88 a Chinese-based online gaming company that specialises in live casinos and sports betting is the most lucrative in the clubs history, eclipsing the previous arrangement with payday lender (essentially legal loan sharks) Wonga.

That deal with Wonga was incredibly controversial.

Source: Richard Sellers

The company was forced to remove its logo from childrens replica kits while striker Papiss Cisse refused to wear anything bearing the Wonga name because it contravened his Muslim faith and his personal beliefs. It led to him being left behind as Newcastle went on a summer tour in 2013. But, the entire thing backfired on Cisse. The deal had already been in place for a year, there were photographs of him gambling at a casino and other Muslims at the club Moussa Sissoko,Hatem Ben Arfa, the late Cheik Tiot and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa had no issue with Wongas sponsorship.

Newcastle learned their lesson. No more payday lenders on the front of their shirts. Theyd play it safe with Fun88 instead. No moral grandstanding when it comes to online gaming companies, you see.

There was a delicious irony too when Joey Barton was recently slapped with an 18-month ban for betting offences.

Barton was with Burnley at the time of the suspension a club sponsored by Dafabet. Before that, he was with Glasgow Rangers (where he served a one-game ban for betting practices), whose main sponsor is 32Red an online casino company. The club also play in the Ladbrokes Premiership and compete for the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Source: Peter Byrne

Barton, in a well-crafted statement after his sentence had been handed-down, said the following:

If the FA is truly serious about tackling the culture of gambling in football, it needs to look at its own dependence on the gambling companies, their role in football and in sports broadcasting, rather than just blaming the players who place a bet.

We now live in an age where the pay-per-view TV channels that show live football consistently encourages those watching to place bets on the game. And not just in advance of it. Before, during and after.

We now live in an age where entire leagues (Skybet Championship, Skybet League One, Skybet League Two, Ladbrokes Premiership) are backed by gambling companies.

We now live in an age where its commonplace for clubs to have official betting partners. William Hill is in bed with three teams: Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton. Manchester United even have an Official Casino Resort partner. Thats Donaco, in case youre wondering.

And yet, when footballers gamble irresponsibly or make a mis-step or risk their fortunes on the outcome of a horse race, they get the punishment, the shame and the public condemnation.

Source: Mike Egerton

Their employers, knee-deep in responsibility, dust themselves down and move onto the next commercial deal.

Of course, the immediate counter-argument is that with some self-control and self-awareness, players wouldnt get themselves in such a mess.

But there is a duty of care that needs to exist in any workplace. Its like the companies that supply fruit for employees or offer a staff discount when you join the gym downstairs.Its a way of encouraging wellness, however small the gesture.

For football clubs, they hide behind the massive wages they pay and say, Dont we do enough for you? Because, ultimately, the money remains the motivator. Its why key decisions are made.

But, when the governing body overseeing those clubs makes a stand, it leads to inevitable questions. Will gambling companies be prohibited from having sponsorship arrangements with clubs? If not, why? Why would the FA not enforce a policy? And what does it say about clubs if they continue to merely look the other way while their own players struggle under the weight of something theyre indirectly responsible for?

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Original post:

Despite new FA stance, clubs' seedy relationship with gambling companies as strong as ever - The42

Updated June 22, 2017 17:01:55

Tasmania's auditor-general has been unable to judge if the state's problem gambling programs are working.

A performance audit has examined how effectively Treasury's Liquor and Gaming Branch managed the collection of gambling revenue, and the effectiveness of harm-minimisation measures.

When poker machines were rolled out in Tasmanian pubs and clubs in the 1990s, a Community Support Levy (CSL) was set up, with money to go into community programs and into research about problem gambling.

Auditor-general Rod Whitehead said there was not a reliable measurement about the prevalence of problem gambling.

"No conclusion can be made as to whether activities funded by the CSL to reduce the risk of harm from gambling are achieving the intended outcomes, as the evidence is insufficient for us to form an opinion," he said.

"The Productivity Commission identified that difficulties arising from the nature of problem gambling - such as stigma, deceit, and irrational beliefs that the next wager will solve any problems - means sufferers are unlikely to identify themselves."

Because there has never been a reliable measure of how many Tasmanians are problem gamblers, the auditor-general could not determine how much CSL programs had contributed to reducing harm.

Anglicare Tasmania estimates there are 2,000 problem gamblers in Tasmania, and a further 6,000 "moderate risk" gamblers, and together these people lose 40% of the total spend of gambling in the state.

Independent MP for Denison Andrew Wilkie - who has long opposed the proliferation of poker machines - said it was evident from other data that the CSL programs were not working.

"When you look at the figures more broadly, there has been no significant reduction in poker machine revenue over the last several years," he said.

"[And] there has been no significant change in the rate of gambling addiction in Tasmania.

"While it's fair enough the auditor-general is struggling to understand the effectiveness of the programs funded by the CSL, we do know overall the whole range of harm-minimisation measures are pretty much ineffective."

The Tasmanian Greens are pushing for the number of poker machines to be limited.

"Rather than tinkering around the edges, we'd like to see the Liberals take harm minimisation on pokies really seriously and remove them from pubs and clubs in Tasmania," leader Cassy O'Connor said.

Mr Whitehead did recommend the services provided under a gambling support program should improve their targets and performance measures.

He also recommended the state's Neighbourhood House model - which provides an alternative venue to pubs or casinos to socialise in the evening - be reviewed, so it can better cater to problem gamblers.

The audit also found Treasury was effectively collecting all the revenue derived from gambling in Tasmania, and was distributing it correctly to the CSL administrators.

A parliamentary inquiry is currently underway to examine the Federal Group monopoly on poker machines, amid calls for more assistance for problem gamblers.

Federal Group owns both of Tasmania's two casinos, and has exclusive rights to all of the state's poker machines under a license set to expire in 2023.

The Tasmanian Government has already vowed to put gaming licences out to public tender, which could break the monopoly Federal Group has held for over 40 years.

Topics: gambling, community-and-society, tas

First posted June 22, 2017 16:00:03

See the original post here:

Success of Tasmanian problem gambling programs can't be judged, auditor-general finds - ABC Online

By Jay R. Jordan, jjordan@hcnonline.com

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County on Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Precinct 4: Deputies raid illegal gambling establishments in East Montgomery County

Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Illegal gambling machines can contribute to large amount of drug and other illegal activity, according to deputies with the Precinct 4 Constable's Office. They also say the machines prey on elderly individuals.

While the machines themselves were not seized, deputies and prosecutors took the motherboards from the machines as evidence and seized the money inside them. According to Precinct 4 Constable's Sgt. Jim Slack, authorities raided three gas stations all within a half mile of each other near New Caney:

Exxon gas station in the 24700 block of FM 1485

Coleman's Drive In in the 25900 block of FM 1485

Bill's 3 GS Food Mart in the 23500 block of FM 1485

Although no arrests have been made directly to the search, Jimmy Moon, 50, of Houston, was arrested on an unrelated third-degree felony warrant for allegedly assaulting a family member. Deputies claim Moon was found using one of the machines.

Follow this link:

Precinct 4: Deputies raid illegal gambling establishments in East Montgomery County - Chron.com

June 22, 2017 9:00 AM by Robert Mann

Do programs to curb problem gambling in Ontario, Canada work?

To help make that determination, two members of Carleton UniversitysDepartment of Psychology, have received more than $650,000 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (OMHLTC) to investigate programs aimed at the prevention of problem gambling.

The project, entitledPreventing Problem Gambling in Ontario: Building the Evidence Base for Cultivating Responsible Gambling Knowledge and Habits, will study the attitudes, knowledge of availability, and behaviors related to responsible gambling initiatives in Ontario.

This research project will focus on gamblers exposed to a new responsible gambling initiative called My PlaySmart, provided to Ontarians by Ontario Lottery and Gaming. The researchers will identify the best practices for the development of an effective responsible gambling program that meets the needs of Ontarians.

Carleton University is a comprehensive university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Do programs to curb problem gambling in Ontario, Canada work? - GamingTodaySlotsToday

Before Hong Kongs return to Chinese rule, Communist leader Deng Xiaopinghad a reassuring message for those worried about the departure of the British from the capitalist enclave. Dont fret, the architect of the handover said: Horses will still run, stocks will still sizzle, dancers will still dance.

The dancing has continued, the stock market isnt far off its record high, and the horses indeed still run. Yet 20 years after the handover to China, one of the citys most-venerable institutions, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has been called an "ATM for the government" for its huge contributions to the citys tax coffers and charity efforts, is facingtrouble.

Disinterest among manyyoung people and an upcoming bridge link to the glittering casinos of Macau threaten the future of the money-spinning gambling monopoly. Already the amount bet on racing fell 1.7 percent in the latest season for which numbers are available, ending mid-July 2016, from the previous year. While its still a lot of money that HK$106.1 billion ($13.6 billion) was almost 30 percent more than the total of the most-common type ofbettingon thoroughbreds in all of the U.S . gambling on horse racinghas grown an anemic 1 percent a year on average for two decades.

Spectatorsat theJockey Club's Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

The pressure is on them to remain relevant, saidDavid Dodwell, chief executive officer of Strategic Access Ltd., a Hong Kong-based public policy consultancy. An awful lot of the welfare infrastructure that has been built over the decades in Hong Kong is attributable to it.

Finding new sources of cash from allowing simultaneous betting in places like London and New York, as well as increasing the appeal to younger people at home, are critical to keeping a major funding engine of the Hong Kong government racing ahead. The Jockey Club is also expanding into China, a move that could position it well should betting on horses, halted after the 1949 revolution, someday return.

The Jockey Club accounted for about 7 percent of Hong Kongtax revenuelast year equivalent to a third of the citys education budget and 35percent of itssocial welfare spending. It donated HK$3.9 billion to schools, hospitals and other charities, making it the largest donor in Asia and the sixth largest worldwide, according to theWorld Charity Index. The government is also relying on the club rather than the legislature to fund a controversial museum project.

It has become a kind of ATMfor the government, saidTanya Chan, a Legislative Council member and government critic. "The government knows very well where to go if they want a substantial sum of money."

Horses on the track at Happy Valley.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

The Clubs voting members and stewards read like a Whos Who List of Hong Kongs richest and most powerful, including billionaires who control virtually all of the citys significant property, retail, entertainment, utilities and infrastructure building, along with other business luminaries:Li Ka-shing,Lee Shau Kee,Henry Cheng,Stanley Ho,Allan ZemanandCanning Fok.

Major powerhouses of politics are there, too: Former Chief JusticeAndrew Li; former Finance Secretary and Chief SecretaryHenry Tang; former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority,Joseph Yam; and former Legislative Council PresidentRita Fan.

"For a long time, it has been a place where entrepreneurs and officials can mix together and have the same status," said Eddie Chu, another LegCo member and government critic. "The Jockey Club maintains its power not by horse racing but by its network of powerful people gathering together."

Withtwo race tracks, more than 100 off-track betting outlets, soccer-wagering services and a lottery, the club can be generous because generations of Hong Kongers grew up spending their money and time at the track.

BettingatHappy Valley Racecourse.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

My friends and I were crazy about horse gambling 20 years ago, said Tony Yu, 40, a construction company manager who used to spend several hundred Hong Kong dollars on tickets and beers at the track, especially on payday. Those days are long past. Who do you see reading the horse-racing page in the newspaper and going to the Jockey Club to buy tickets? Old-timers!

The club also faces competition from across the Pearl River Delta, where Macaus casinos are now aggressively targeting Hong Kong, Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresgeswrote in the most recent annual report. With the expected completion later this year of a bridge linking the two cities for the first time, traveling toSands China Ltd.s Venetian andMelco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.s City of Dreams will be even easier. The bridge will undoubtedlyexacerbate the problem" already facing the club, Engelbrecht-Bresges wrote.

The Jockey Club has found ways to keep the money flowing. One solution has been to expand the number of races per season. Back in the mid-1990s, there were 75 days in a season, with 595 races; now there are 88 in the season, with 807 races. The club also moved into soccer in 2003. Such wagering accounted for HK$86.8 billion in bets in the most recent fiscal year, up 11 percent from the previous year.

A horseswims in anequine pool atSha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong's New Territories.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

While mainland China doesn't yet allow betting on horses, the Jockey Club is establishing a foothold there. It plans to open a new training facility across the border in Guangdong province next year. Twice the size of the Jockey Clubs facility in Hong Kongs New Territories, the site will be able to host about 660 horses.

Worldwide, the club has broadened its reach through whats known as commingling, or allowing people overseas to bet on Hong Kongs horses. In the 2013-14 season, the Jockey Club began taking bets from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Macau. It has also expanded its reach to South Africa, Ireland, Canada and parts of the U.S., where Hong Kongs Happy Valley races are available via simulcast on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. New York time throughTVG Networks online betting site and cable channel,one of several operators in the U.S. with Jockey Club deals.

Last November, the Jockey Club announced anexpansionto the U.K. that enables customers ofLadbrokes Coral Group Plcand anotherbetting shop operator to bet on Hong Kong races. The Jockey Club announced a similaragreement last year with Canadian racetrack owner and online betting services provider Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Inside a Ladbrokes bookmakerin London.

Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Hong Kong is attractive for global gamblers, according to Ken Kirchner, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Racing Commission and president of consulting firm FalKirk International. Bettors can wager on unusual options such as a triple trio, three consecutive trifectas, and get huge payouts because Hong Kongs gambling pool is large, he said.

Theyre run under strict regulation and authority, so you feel like youre betting into a very honest product, Kirchner said.

Hong Kong offers more data on horses than other venues, including the only consistent publishing of veterinary reports, said Ron Luniewski, president of Xpressbet, a Washington, Pa.-based company that provides online betting.

"Thats a big deal. I give them a lot of credit for that," he said. In a lot of ways, Hong Kong racing is the gold standard globally.

Commingling now accounts for about 6 percent of the Jockey Clubs betting income, according toRichard Cheung, head of marketing, and is forecast to top 10 percent by the end of the decade.

Hong Kong is a very small place, Cheung said. To seek growth we must go elsewhere.

As it expands globally, the Jockey Club will still have a challenge winning back people like Yu, the construction manager.

Now I seldom bet because there are so many other options, he said. I earn more money than before, so I can afford to invest money in the stock market.

People leaveHappy Valley Racecourse.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

With assistance from EbenNovy-Williams

See the original post here:

Hong Kong's Gambling Empire Is Losing Horsepower - Bloomberg

Members of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity held a press conference at Mt. Pisgah AME Church, 428 N. 41st St. in West Philadelphia Monday to announce their opposition to plans to extend gambling in Pennsylvania.

Weve come today because we want to raise our voice about an issue which we believe will have a hugely negative affect on the quality of life of already challenged neighborhoods and communities, said Black Clergy President the Rev. Jay Broadnax.

Broadnax said on June 7, the House of Representative passed what he called sweeping legislation to expand access to video and internet gaming video within the state including airports, truck stops and other places with valid liquor licenses.

The state has set a goal of a maximum of 30,000 of these machines in 2018, 35,000 in 2019 and 40,000 in 2020, he said.

Broadnax said supporters of the legislation said that the increase revenue from passage of this measure would increase state revenue and close the budget gap.

Our first concern is how this will impact neighborhoods and communities, he said.

Currently the majority of gaming take place in casinos like Sugar House and Parx which, for some constitute a harmless evening out. With this new legislation gaming traffic moves directly into our neighborhoods, in bowling alleys, supermarkets and Stop n Gos, many which are already nuisances and sources of disruption.

The Black Clergy noted not only will this create incentives for local residents to misuse already scarce personal resources but will also pose the risk of increased loitering, noise and other nuisances in already challenged areas.

Were also concerned about what this sort of legislation and this sort of revenue raising means in the quality of lives of individuals, he said. The idea of depending and relying on vices, such as gambling, as the way to balance the budget does not bode well for the long-term health of families.

If passed, the Black Clergy said the ability to go to the corner Stop N Go as opposed to a casino would possibly have a direct impact on those who lack the wherewithal to travel to casinos.

While a few would benefit financially, having extended access to these devices would only serve to foster an increase in behaviors that could quickly turn addictive and place at risk the financial stability of families in our communities, Broadnax said.

Not only did the clergy express concerns about the impact of the legislation if ratified but they also expressed concerns about the intent of the proposal.

It seems as though some of our legislators want to balance the budget on the backs of those who could least afford it, reaching into our urban neighborhoods where the highest concentration of liquor license holding establishments are, rather than finding a way of gleaming state revenue from those who are far better able to pay.

Citing underfunded schools, oppressive poverty, rate of any major city and depressed neighborhoods, Broadnax said expanding gambling to local communities would add another hardship to already struggling neighborhoods.

The Rev. Donald D. Moore of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church asked Gov. Tom Wolfe would veto the measure which he says would have the potential of devastating local communities by compounding the burdens of residents who cannot even afford the necessities of life.

Its almost as if they are saying that if they are not going to the casinos, lets bring the casinos to the people, Moore said.

House Bill 271 passed the House of representatives by a vote of 102 89, this bill authorizes new gaming options throughout the state and authorizes the proposal of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs), similar to slot machines, in such places as bowling alleys catering clubs, truck stops, restaurants, golf courses and other establishments with valid liquor licenses.

The book of Isaiah said that they will frame mischief using law, said Philadelphia NAACP president and minister Rodney Muhammad. This is an attempt to exploit an already weakened community and attack a vulnerable demographic.

I wanted to be here on behalf of the NAACP and all concerned stakeholders to be a part of this effort to resist this more demonic kind of legislation, he added.

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Local Black clergy oppose expanding gambling - The Philadelphia Tribune

The US and Canada have long been neighbors with huge contrasts in theirs laws and social factors. The stance the two countries have on gambling is an example of these major differences. Here is a look at how gambling laws in the US compare to their Canadian counterparts north of the border.

A CheckeredPast

Gambling laws in both the US and Canada might still be considered slightly restricted due to the double layer of federal and state/ provincial law but things are far more liberal for gambling in both countries than they were even just 50 years ago.

Historically, the gambling laws in both the US and Canada have been very strict. During the Californian Gold Rush and Great Depression eras, gambling was largely considered illegal and was forced underground. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 meant that gambling remained illegal across many US states until some states introduced their own laws to sidestep that ruling. An example being the legalization of casinos on riverboats in Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana.

In Canada, the act of gambling was widely outlawed until the 1970s. This became a turning point for the countrys approach to gambling. The reformation of the Criminal Code meant provinces throughout Canada were handed the power to license and regulate gambling activity within their own territories.

A Fork in The Road

A defining moment that saw the US and Canada veer off in two completely different directions when it came to their gambling laws was the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 by the George W. Bush administration.

This law intended to prohibit gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law. Needless to say, it was not a law that proved to be very popular with online gamblers in the US. Its repercussions were also felt worldwide as confusion reigned for some time over what was considered to be legal or illegal with US-based players participating at foreign-based casinos online.

It was a particularly damning move by the US government because it came at a time when online poker was experiencing a surge in popularity. The stunning victory by online satellite qualifier Chris Moneymaker at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event saw millions of players attracted to online poker sites in the hope of following in the professional poker stars footsteps. A knock-on effect of this was players flocking to online casinos to try out popular games like slots and classic casino table games. Unfortunately, the UIGEA law put a halt on the aspirations of many players living in the US.

Meanwhile, Canadas online gambling businesses thrived in this new age of online gaming. Some provinces even embraced the culture of gambling online by operating their own online casinos. The attitude of the Canadian government was very much one of being happy to legalize online gambling provided operators adhered to the regulations set in place by the government itself.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission Controversy

One area of controversy lies with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This Indian reserve is located within the borders of Canada but it remains a sovereign nation within its own right. It has led to a number of debates surrounding its involvement in online gambling legislation.

Operators have frequently used the commission to not only swerve the Canadian online gambling laws and regulations but those of other countries from around the world. Despite being based in Canada, it does not come under Canadian rule. It has become a headache for both the Canadian government and a number of governments abroad. For the time being, there is nothing Canada, or any other nation, can do about operators using the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to sidestep the laws put in place by countries that aim to firmly regulate operators working in their jurisdictions.

What Does The Future Hold?

Times are a-changing for online gambling. This is particularly the case for players in the US. Recent years have provided more positive news than negative for online gamblers in the US. States including Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey have introduced laws that legalize regulated online gambling. Other states, except Washington, allow players to gamble online at offshore operators.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America has welcomed in a dawn of uncertainty for gambling in the US. Commentators were split in the run-up to the election over what Trumps approach to gambling would be. As a former owner of several Trump-brand casinos across the US there was speculation that he would be keen to relax the laws currently in place.

However, a number of high-profile Republican party financial backers have expressed opposition to legalized online gambling. Trump still has a number of business associates such as Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn who have expressed a desire to see land-based gambling favored over online gambling. Could his loyalty to his friends in business overrule his desire to see gambling online legalized?

The global gambling market value is expected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2018. By 2020, it is anticipated that online gambling will equate to a 45% share of the entire gambling market across the world. The projections are there to suggest online gambling is the future.

If the US has any economic sense it will see that it should follow Canadas lead and give the power back to the people when it comes to online gambling. The more opportunities to gamble in a regulated market, the more revenue that can be generated from gambling as a whole. So long as online gambling is outlawed it will drive the activity underground with revenues entering the hands of the criminals as opposed to the treasury.

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Gambling Laws in the US vs Canada - The Libertarian Republic

For the past few years, New Jersey casinos have been losing money like most of their customers - consistently. But in the past six months, the popularity of casino-sponsored online betting has reversed the fortunes of Atlantic City's gambling palaces, cheering both casino owners and state revenue officials.

New Jersey is one of only three states - Nevada and Delaware are the others - where in-state bettors can log on to websites run by casinos and gamble from the comfort of their couches, rather than going into a glitzy and noisy casino.

Gambling experts say casinos that sponsor their own online wagering are making a smart play for millennials, many of whom prefer online gambling. At least eight states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) are considering legalizing casino-run online wagering this year.

State-sanctioned, casino-sponsored online gambling is different from online gambling that originates offshore, which states cannot tax. It is also distinct from state-regulated "daily fantasy sports" sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, which generate taxes and fees for some states.

Chris Grove, a gambling industry consultant who runs the website PlayNJ.com, said online gambling is a key to the growth of casino revenue.

"We've seen nearly every other form of commerce migrate to the internet - how we shop, how we bank, how we listen to music," he said. "It doesn't make sense that gambling would be an exception to that rule, and the early results in New Jersey really drive that point home."

According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, total casino gambling revenue was $763.5 million through April of this year, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to the same period last year. The casinos' winnings from online gambling, however, were $80.1 million, up 29.5 percent from the same period last year.

New Jersey legalized casino-sponsored online gambling in late 2013, but it took casinos some time to create the software to take advantage of the new law, as well as for gamblers to adapt. At first, some casinos only offered a game or two online. According to New Jersey officials, online gambling increased in late 2016 and early 2017, as evidenced by a spike in revenue. The state collected $3.1 million in taxes on online gambling in April, up 23 percent from $2.5 million in April 2016.

From 2007 to 2015, New Jersey casino revenue declined by an average of 7.6 percent annually. This year, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of online gambling, casino revenue is on track for a year-to-year increase for the first time since 2006.

Kerry Langan, spokeswoman for the New Jersey department, said internet gambling raises as much revenue by itself as a small free-standing casino would.

"Most of the projections I've seen from gaming analysts are that it's doing well and will continue to do well," she said.

In Nevada and Delaware the impact has been smaller. In Delaware, only three casinos sponsor online gambling, and it has generated revenue of about $200,000 a month. Total casino revenue in Delaware is about $50 million per month.

In Nevada only two casinos offer internet poker, the only online casino game the state allows. Mike Lawton, senior research analyst at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, said online poker revenue is wrapped into the control board's report on poker overall, so it's difficult to determine whether online poker has been a huge hit. But online sports betting, also offered by casinos, "has really taken off," increasing 5 percent in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

"A lot of the reason for the sports book business taking off is people being able to do it on their phone. It's a huge convenience," he said, noting, "We do everything else on our phones."

Every state that has legal gambling collects taxes or fees from it. There can be a tax on casinos' revenue, hefty fees to procure a casino operating license, a tax on gamblers' winnings, an "entertainment tax" on casinos or players, a tax on lottery locations, a tax on poker machines at bars or some combination of the levies. In general, casinos must pay gambling taxes in addition to corporate taxes.

Despite the online gambling spike in New Jersey and elsewhere, overall gambling tax revenue in the states is flat on average, according to Lucy Dadayan, senior research scientist at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

In 17 states she studied, tax revenue from gambling declined by 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to the same quarter of 2015. However, there was some growth in tax revenue in the first quarter of 2017, at 0.6 percent. A big part of the increase was the opening of a new casino in Maryland, she said.

"The overall total tax revenues for casinos should be interpreted with caution and should not be viewed as a positive sign," she said.

She noted that online casino gambling is not easy to implement and "comes with a lot of regulation."

Because New Jersey requires people who play online casino games to be in the state, it has developed tracking software to determine a bettor's location. That means a gambler who lives in Pennsylvania must travel to New Jersey to play an online casino game.

"New Jersey online (gambling) has definitely come on very strong," said David Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV. "People enjoy playing online rather than in casinos."

But Jackson Brainerd, who studies state gambling for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said while income from casino-sponsored online gambling has been robust, it has not lived up to predictions. In New Jersey, for example, it was expected to generate $1.2 billion in the first year, resulting in $180 million for the state.

In Pennsylvania, the state's continuing budget woes have given a push to casino-sponsored online gambling. The state Senate in May passed a measure that would legalize it in January 2018. Sponsors believe the outlook in the House is better this year than last, when a similar bill failed to pass.

Under the measure, Pennsylvania casinos that want to sponsor online gambling would have to pay a one-time $10 million fee to the state. Vendors supplying the gambling platform would pay the state $5 million, and revenue would be taxed at 25 percent, 15 percent of which would go to reduce property taxes, a longtime sore point among Pennsylvania taxpayers.

"We hope we can generate $100-$125 million more," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, the Democrat who sponsored the legislation.

He said some casinos are worried that they will lose in-house gamblers to the online version, rather than expanding their customer base. But the prospect of a new state revenue source has persuaded some legislators that it's time to implement online casino games.

In New York, Senate panels have passed a bill that would legalize and regulate online poker games, though the proposal is still awaiting a vote by the full Senate. A similar bill passed the Senate last year, but died in the House without being considered. A 10-year license fee would cost $10 million, and the state would levy a 15 percent tax on revenue.

State Sen. John Bonacic, a Republican sponsor of the bill, sweetened the pot this year with a provision that mandates that the revenue from casino-sponsored online poker be used for education.

"This bill is necessary to provide consumer protections and combat illegal websites that are currently offering online poker to New Yorkers - further it would bring in additional revenue for education," he said in an email.

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Casinos, states winning big from online gambling | News | herald ... - Huntington Herald Dispatch

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WILKES-BARRE--- A bill passed in the Pennsylvania Housewould allow casino-style gambling in airports, veterans halls, and truck stops.

Now, seniors are worried if it were to become law, that less lottery money would fund programs for the elderly. They are not the only ones who are concerned.

There are18,000 people in the state who are employed by casinos like Mohegan Sun in Plains Township. Opponents of the bill say those jobs could be cut if it were to become law.

The bill to make electronic games of chance accessible outside of casinos is getting a lot of criticism.

Seniors in Wilkes-Barre who work at senior centers said it will take money away from lottery play.

"There are casinos already in the area that they can go to. If you have slot machines in pizza shops, and the airport, and stuff like that, they got casinos to go to for that," Robert Montgomery of Wilkes-Barre said.

Those in favor of the bill said it could help bar owners, local governments, and veterans organizations.

Those against it said it will hurt programs that help the elderly.

Ann Marie Bossard is the co-owner of the Anthracite Newsstand, which sells lottery tickets. She said her customers budget their lottery money use.

"They're either going to try to not pay bills or they're going to overdraw on their credit card because you only have so much of budget that you can do things with, with everything," Bossard said.

Supporters of the lottery said this new bill could be kicking it while it is already down because millennials don't play the lottery often. Kearie Nelson is one of them. She is a millennial who only plays the lottery from-time-to-time. She said she hardly sees anyone her age playing the lottery.

"I see older adults that will sit and play these slot machines if they have time, but I don't really see my age group sitting in an establishment and just playing with the slot machines," Nelson said.

The bill now goes on to the state Senate.

41.245915 -75.881307

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Seniors Worry Gambling Bill Would Take Money Away from Lottery Play - wnep.com

BBC News

'Lack of support' for gambling addicts in Wales BBC News Gambling addiction has become a "public health problem" in Wales, according to the organiser of a conference being held to help tackle the issue. The Beat the Odds initiative will bring together specialists, politicians and addicts in Cardiff on Wednesday. Gambling addict: 'No rehab for me because I'm a woman'BBC News Welsh Government Does Not Support Adequately Players with Problem Gambling BehaviourCasino Guardian all 4 news articles »

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'Lack of support' for gambling addicts in Wales - BBC News

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- City leaders say they're going to hold their cards for a while before choosing whether to allow more gambling.

If you're looking to open a new video gambling parlor, you can't do it in Champaign. A few months ago, the city council voted to stop issuing new licenses for places to have video machines. On Tuesday night, they decided to extend that ban.

The majority of the city council voted in favor of extending the new license ban, but for different reasons. Still, most of them were asking the same question: Does the city really need more of those places?

Jim's Place, Lacey's Place, Boochie's Place, and Joobie's. Whatever the owner decides to call them, they're here to stay.

But if you're going to play, you've got to pay.

"14 million dollars was lost on video gambling machines in the City of Champaign last year," said council member Greg Stock, "14 million dollars."

"This gaming thing..it's just not doing something to our community that is great," said council member Clarissa Fourman, "The amount of gaming cafes-- it's a lot."

Illinois Gaming Board records show there are almost 60 places to play in Champaign. Those popped up between the time it was legalized in 2012, and when the city imposed the moratorium this past February. That was set to expire in a few weeks, so the council had a decision to make.

"Even though we like to think that we can make these decisions better than the average American, it's not our job to make these decisions on behalf of the citizens of Champaign," said council member Tom Bruno.

Leaders don't seem to have a solid consensus on whether these places are good or bad, or whether the results they produce can be ugly. City staff members say the community doesn't seem to mind.

"We have not heard a lot of negative feedback about the moratorium," says deputy liquor commissioner Matt Roeschley, "Maybe somewhat surprisingly, but there hasn't been a lot of community input on that."

Mayor Deb Feinen says the freeze is only so they have time to come up with a policy on what (if anything) should be done.

"All we're doing is having a moratorium so we don't have an increase of this type of business while we decide whether or not we're going to regulate or what the appropriate regulation is," said Feinen.

The license moratorium has now been extended until January. The city will use the time to decide whether a policy change is needed.

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Ban on new video gambling licenses extended - IllinoisHomePage.net

Ill admit it. I feel a bit hypocritical when I write about the problems with expanded gambling in Pennsylvania. Why? Because I freaking love to gamble.

Ive played poker since I was 9 years old; I love the game. I play fantasy sports baseball and football and at one time I even played fantasy golf. Las Vegas is absolutely one of my most favorite places on this planet, and an annual trip there is something I look forward to.

However, I have a different feeling when it comes to expanded gambling in states like Pennsylvania. Places where casinos are located near residential neighborhoods. Places where the dreams of striking it rich can be played out 10 minutes from your house. Places where its too easy to spend your paycheck on the dream of big bucks. Its become too easy to lose your money, and thats what I have a problem with.

And now, facing a nearly $3 billion budget shortfall, our state legislators are about to make it even easier to lose your cash in the name of revenue generation. Expanded-gambling bills have already passed in the state house and the senate. The bills would allow you to play casino games like poker, blackjack and slots, lottery games and fantasy sports from the comfort of your home. Additionally, one version of the bill would allow bars and restaurants to install their own video-gambling terminals like slots and video poker, and would permit gambling at airports. If this gambling bill passes, you wont have to make the onerous three-minute trip to the North Side to gamble. Christ, you wont have to even put on pants in order to lose your shirt.

None of these gambling options are good, but the worst in my experience are the terminals in bars and restaurants. Increased access is the obvious problem, but in places like West Virginia, expanded gambling like this over the years hasnt just resulted in a casino on every corner; its resulted in several on every block. I wrote about this issue in my very first City Paper cover story, in 2005. Slot machines were put into every business imaginable, from car washes to ice-cream shops.

During that time, I met a Weirton, W.Va., activist named Jody Kraina. She was fighting for reforms to the states gambling laws. She got nowhere fast. But she knew what she was talking about.

Look at Pennsylvania, says Kraina, spokesperson for Weirton-based RAGE (Residents Against Gambling Establishments). Theyre sitting where West Virginia sat years ago, allowing slots to help save racetracks. But they need to look very closely at where we are now. Once you allow those things in here, its Katie bar the door.

It took 12 years, but her premonition came true. Also, I wonder whether Kraina even realized the heights that expanded and online gambling would reach in cash-strapped states. Gambling halls in Pennsylvania once seemed like they would never materialize, but in 2004 in-state gambling was approved. Also since then, a lot of legislators have changed their tunes on gambling. Even Self-Righteous Mike Turzai is coming around, and he was staunchly against the first round of gambling legalization. Maybe hes had an honest change of heart or maybe his former chief of staff Krystjan Callahan, who is now a lobbyist for the gambling industry, has. Do with that information what you will.

But the reality is, the state needs revenue from somewhere, and Republicans are against raising traditional taxes to take the burden off Pennsylvanias hard-working families. Instead, theyre going to impose huge taxes on expanded gambling, and charge the suppliers of that service. Except theyre not.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo have done extensive research on the impact that gambling has on lower-income individuals. They began studying the issue when the Buffalo Creek Casino was being planned for construction in an area with high poverty rates. Among the findings: Populations already facing high poverty rates and inequalities, such as African Americans, have higher rates of problem gambling. A 1994 study of Wisconsin gamblers found that 53.7 percent of casino gamblers had an income below $30,000 per year, with 37 percent below $20,000 per year and 13.7 percent below $10,000 per year.

So what does that mean? It means, in essence, that expanded gambling is a tax. Its a tax on our poorest citizens. But this isnt the kind of tax that is likely to keep Pennsylvanias long-time legislators from getting re-elected. Its not a larger sales tax or an income tax, so most people arent going to make this an issue come election time. Expanded gambling is a safe bet for our state legislators; theyre essentially playing with what is known in casino parlance as house money. Its the rest of us who are going to crap out.

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Expanded gambling is a safe bet for Pennsylvania legislators ... - PGH City Paper

CHAMPAIGN There won't be any new video-gambling terminals in Champaign for the rest of 2017 after the city council voted Tuesday to extend a moratorium on video gambling until Jan. 23.

The temporary moratorium on installing and operating the terminals in newly licensed liquor-serving establishments was passed Feb. 21. It was first extended April 11 and would have expired July 18.

Video gambling is regulated in Champaign through liquor licenses instead of a specific video-gambling license, which Urbana uses.

Mayor Deb Feinen reiterated Tuesday that the moratorium's purpose is to allow time to discuss and analyze additional regulations on video gambling that aren't used by Champaign now.

Out of the 60 licensed video-gambling locations in Champaign, according to Illinois Gaming Board data, 28 are bars/restaurants, 17 are gaming-specific cafes/parlors and the rest are bingo halls/fraternal establishments, gas stations, bowling alleys, music venues, hotels or veterans' establishments.

"In a strip mall, there are two (gambling) cafes right next to each other," said council member Clarissa Nickerson Fourman. "This gaming thing is just not doing something great for our community, but I don't want to get rid of all of it."

City attorney Fred Stavins noted how the city previously limited places that sell alcohol with adult entertainment, which Fourman said is a similar situation.

Only council member Tom Bruno voted in opposition, which he has done on this issue before.

"Is it our place to say 'Now we have enough video-gaming outlets'?" Bruno asked. "We're stepping in to say 'We know better than you,' but if that's the only test, we ought to say 'You can't sell cigarettes or unhealthy food.'"

Council member Greg Stock said video gambling and other businesses like those offering payday and title loans are becoming predatory. He noted that he's only received positive feedback on the moratorium.

"Most of these gambling cafes we're talking about aren't locally owned," Stock said. "$14 million was lost from Champaign gambling last year, and most of that money didn't stay in the community."

Deputy City Manager Matt Roeschley said there will be a council meeting this fall to go over possible regulation methods.

If the council picks a method around then, he said there will be enough time to prepare it before the moratorium expires.

"I think council was pretty clear that the majority is interested in regulating video gaming in some way which we don't do now," Roeschley said, noting special concern over the gambling parlors/cafes.

"We are currently at cap," Feinen said. "If a bar or tavern owner wanted to come to Champaign, there is not a (liquor) license to be had ... so maybe we should have a gaming license."

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Champaign council extends video-gambling moratorium till Jan. 23 - Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette

Pending state legislation carves out $500,000 annually for the city of Erie from county gambling revenues to fund emergency services and infrastructure projects.

Pending state legislation that would give Erie County government sole authorization over the distribution of the multimillion-dollar local share of gambling money alsocarves out $500,000 annually for the city of Erie to fund emergency services and infrastructure projects.

Erie City Council is poised to ask State Sen. Dan Laughlin to make sure that yearly funding becomes a reality.

City Council on Wednesday night could waive agenda rules and vote on a resolution urging Laughlin, of Millcreek Township, R-49th Dist., and the Pennsylvania Senate "to retain the $500,000 for city capital projects or emergency services in the gaming legislation," according to Councilman Bob Merski, who plans to sponsor the resolution.

Merski said council members want members of the state Senate to make sure the money earmarked for the city remains in the final version of the bill.House Bill 271 was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 7 by a 102-89 vote.

The bill currently sits in a state Senate committee.

"As goes the city, so goes the region, so it makes sense to support capital projects and emergency services in the city," Merski said. "The region's lead assets are all in the city, and this is recognition that city taxpayers have been carrying the weight of these expenses for the whole region.

City Council meets Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, 626 State St.

Kevin Flowers can be reached at 870-1693 or by email. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNflowers.

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Erie City Council seeks gambling funds promise - GoErie.com

Lexington Herald Leader

Churchill Downs wins approval for new Trackside gambling parlor Lexington Herald Leader The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted Tuesday to approve plans for Churchill Downs to build a $50 million to $60 million gambling parlor at a former training track in Louisville. The new 85,000-square-foot venue will house 600 to 650 machines with ... Churchill Downs wins initial approval for gambling machinesWashington Times Churchill Downs to invest $60M in electronic gambling facilityInsider Louisville Churchill investing $60 million in new gambling facilityWTVQ all 16 news articles »

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Churchill Downs wins approval for new Trackside gambling parlor - Lexington Herald Leader

For the last four years, three states have had legal online gambling: Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. In that time, weve seen no negative results,despite doomsday predictions that allowingstates to legalize and regulate Internet betting would open the floodgates, allowing anyone in the U.S., regardless of their age, to gamble, become addicted, and ruin their lives.

In reality, however, online gambling in the states has been an unmitigated success: generating hundreds of millions in new tax revenue, thousands of jobs, and saving other flailing industries. In New Jersey, for example, the launch of online betting has been an unmitigated success. Prior to 2013, Atlantic City was in economic freefall with casinos closing (and putting people out of work) in droves. Since then, however, the city has posted its first revenue increase in more than a decade, thanks to the $20 million in tax revenue online gambling generates for the state every month. Since its launch in 2013, the new industry has generated around $125 million in new tax revenue for New Jersey 3,374 new jobs, and $219 million in wages to employees. Furthermore, the license-holders contributed over $1 million in funds for compulsive and problem gambling research and treatment.

Yet, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) is now reportedly trying to put out the lights out on this economic ray of sunshine by inserting language into one of the congressional appropriations bills to create a national prohibition on Internet gambling. And hes doing this even as the legislature of his home state is working tirelessly to regulate the activity and where almost two thirds of voters say they want online gambling legalized.

Legislative dj vu

While details about Dents plan are scant, the tactic sounds like a repeat of the scheme he and other members of Congress cooked up in 2016. For years, prohibitionists have fought and failed to enact a ban on state-based Internet gambling through the normal legislative process. The Restoration of Americas Wire Act (RAWA), a bill created by prominent GOP mega-donor and casino owner Sheldon Adelson, managed to get a few hearings. However, the idea of a federal prohibition against the will of the states runs contrary to the core conservative principle of federalism and the blatant influence of industry money resulted in backlash from both sides of aisle.

If at first you dont succeed, cram it down their throats

Failing to obtain Congressional support on its merits, RAWA supporters switched gears, instead hoping to quietly sneak an Internet gambling ban into law by attaching RAWA language as a rider to one of the spending bills in 2016. Theyve also been trying to push Attorney General Jeff Sessions into creating a ban via administrative fiat.

As with RAWA, these attempts faced significant opposition from center-right groups (including CEI) who see them as gross violations of legislative procedure, a threat to foundational constitutional principles, and harmful to both consumers and the economy.

Undeterred, the anti-gambling cabal is reportedly taking another stab at cramming an online gambling ban down Americans throats by slipping it into the massive 1,000+ page spending bill that Congress must pass before the end of September.

They are nothingif not persistent.

But, so are we. All Americans, regardless of political affiliation or their opinion on gambling, should resist attempts like this to bypass the democratic process and take away states constitutionalright to decide for themselves how to regulate commerce within their borders, all in service of one special interest.

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Rep. Dent Tries Again to Sneak Online Gambling Ban Through Congress - Competitive Enterprise Institute (blog)