UNLV prof argues for slot machine ban

Friday, Feb. 27, 1998 | 10:08 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A UNLV expert on gaming wants slot machines taken out of Nevada's grocery and convenience storys.

Professor William Thompson, who has studied gambling for 18 years, told the Nevada Gaming Commission Thursday it should at least require the machines be moved to the back of stores.

Thompson's testimony, which he said was that of a private citizen, was part of the on-going battle over whether slot machines should be allowed outside casinos and bars. The Commission heard testimony last month and Thursday but has not taken any action on the matter.

Countering Thompson's comments was Amy Hill of the Retail Association of Nevada who said the organization is "vehemently opposed to any efforts to eliminate slot machines from new grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies or chain drug stores as well as any effort to phase out existing ones.

"Our smaller grocers and convenience store owners depend heavily on slot revenue in their overall business plan. These slot revenues are what allow many marginal businesses to exist," she said.

Hill said customers of these businesses have repeatedly told the association that they would not play elsewhere.

"Many are unaccompanied female players that would not be comfortable in a tavern or casino. Others, such as senior citizens, expressed the same sentiment. Plainly, we serve a unique community of interest.

"We feel it is hypocritical to ask business to invest in Nevada, offer unique business opportunities such as gaming, and then imply that this investment is tainted," Hill said.

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones also has proposed eliminating slot machines from grocery and convenience stores and has called for a study on the effects such a ban might have on businesses as well as the community.

Thompson has written at least three books on gaming and has served as a gaming consultant.

"We in Nevada have the best gambling in the world," he said. "We also might have the worst gambling in the world."

He argued that video poker machines, which are prevalent in grocery and convenience stores, are the "most addictive."

Nationally, the number of compulsive gamblers is about one-half of 1 percent, but in Nevada that figure is probably double, said Thompson, a public administration professor.

Tourists who visit the Las Vegas Strip casinos for an average of four days, gamble for an average of four hours a day.

"They are not on a binge," Thompson said.