Arizona bars want to offer gaming

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Friday, Dec. 10, 1999 | 10:59 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX -- Arizona bar owners argue that since they have to compete with Indian gambling operations, they deserve a piece of the pie.

Bar owners want state law to allow them to offer sports pools and electronic lottery games.

Don Isaacson, a liquor lobbyist, told state regulators and tribal leaders this week that bar and restaurant owners are competing against Indian casinos that sell liquor and food and offer popular slot machines and poker tables.

"All we are asking for is that you cut us some slack," Isaacson said.

He said Arizona should follow the example of Montana and other states where bar and restaurant patrons may play video lottery games and may bet on sporting events.

He also said he is not proposing bars and restaurants be allowed to install slot machines.

Some said the move Isaacson proposes could allow Indian casinos to such offer games as roulette and blackjack that now are banned, though he offered a way to avoid such expansion.