Gambling boats may extend credit to gamblers
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Lobbyist Money Help  

Gambling boats may extend credit to gamblers

Date: April 30, 2013
By: Ke'yanna Johnson
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 747

Intro: 
Gamblers would be able to borrow chips to gamble under a measure presented to a Senate committee.
RunTime:  0:46
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would allow gambling boats to enter into loan agreements with customers in exchange for tokens and chips.

Troy Stremming, lobbyist for casino company Ameristar says customers look for convenience when choosing casinos. He says the state doesn't allow customers to take out credit and is making the state less competitive.

Actuality:  STREM1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "It is a loss of tourism, a loss of revenue to the industry and also tax revenue to the state."
 

The organization Stop Predatory Gambling opposes the loan idea. They say legislators and casinos are only concerned about getting money for the state and not protecting players from big losses.

The measure presented to the Senate Commerce Committee had been approved earlier this year by the House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson.

Intro: 
Gamblers would be able to borrow money on gaming boats under a measure presented by a legislative committee.
RunTime:  0:43
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would allow gambling boats to enter into loan agreements with customers in exchange for tokens and chips.

Tom Grey, Senior Advisor for Stop Predatory Gambling says legislators and casinos are concerned about getting money for the state and not protecting players from big losses.

Actuality:  GREY1.WAV
Run Time:  00:07
Description: "It is a cut-throat predatory business. Their bottom line is so losers give them their profit."
 
But the bill's supporters say customers look for convenience when choosing casinos. They say without the loan agreement the state will lose tourists and revenue.

The measure presented to the Senate Commerce Committee had been approved earlier this year by the House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson.