Gaming Board fines Alton casino, renews license

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998 | 4:16 a.m.

The Illinois Gaming Board cited problems in monitoring the control of chips, tokens and cash aboard the riverboat on the Mississippi River. Among other things, that resulted in the theft of $10,000 in tokens for use in slot machines over a two-month period, said board Administrator Michael Belletire.

Board officials also took the unusual step of replacing two state police troopers who had been detailed to the board to monitor procedures on the Alton Belle.

"They weren't paying enough attention to basic accounting," Belletire said of the casino, "and our people weren't prodding them enough."

In renewing the license, the board required Argosy Gaming Co., the Alton Belle's parent, to submit changes in management structure and internal procedures aimed at eliminating the alleged problems.

Argosy officials did not say whether they would contest the fine. But James Perry, Argosy chief executive officer, said he had discussed the proposed changes with Belletire and was "anxious to pursue" them.

The board also renewed the license for the Grand Victoria riverboat in Elgin, the state's top performing casino, after praising casino officials for their operation.

The board also learned that the state's riverboat lobbying group has made some changes in its problem gambling programs.

Since early 1996, the state's riverboat industry has funded a toll-free help line for compulsive gamblers and has provided funding for the Illinois Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling, which trains counselors and works with compulsive gambling groups.

But as of September, the industry has dumped the problem gambling council and shifted their duties to Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, which runs the help line.

Council president Chris Anderson questioned whether his group may have been cut out because he has been a frequent critic of the gambling industry.

David Belding, president of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, said that after examining the past years' programs the association felt Bensinger could do the best job with counseling, training and public awareness.

The toll-free help line number for people with problem gambling has been changed due to the shift. It is now 800-426-2537.