Nevada regulators move ahead with rules on slots with cartoon themes

Brendan Riley

Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999 | 11:37 a.m.

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Image-conscious regulators today outlined proposed rules to ensure slot machines in Nevada casinos aren't too child-friendly.

The Nevada Gaming Commission also was told that big slot manufacturers and major Nevada hotel-casinos aren't fighting the rule - aimed in part at sidetracking national debate on the issue.

Under the proposal from the commission's investigative arm, the state Gaming Control Board, gambler-enticing graphics and animation on slot machines that depict decades-old cartoon flirt Betty Boop might be OK - but not a current "South Park" theme.

For example, slots couldn't be based on child-oriented books, magazines, movies or video games unless they've been around for 21 or more years prior to a slot maker's bid to capitalize on them.

A more general clause in the proposed rule says no slot can use a theme that "is derived from or based on a product that is currently and primarily intended, marketed and used by persons under 21."

There's room for a waiver, under terms of even broader wording that says a theme could be licensed as long as it's not "against the public policy of the state."

Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval said another workshop on the rule will be held in the next few weeks, in efforts to have the rule ready for adoption at the panel's January meeting.

"We all agree we want a firm but fair approach," he added.

Bob Faiss, representing International Game Technology which is the world's largest slot manufacturer, said the commission's action will counter national criticism and show that the state can handle the issue without the need for any federal intervention.

"No manufacturer has intentionally sought to attract children," added Faiss, who was backed up by James Chamberlain, representing the Nevada Resort Association.

While Faiss had a proposal that's worded differently than the one presented by GCB member Dennis Neilander, Faiss said there's no opposition to the general idea and the differences can be worked out as the rule is drafted in final form.

Critics of slot themes targeting children have included Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who said last week he'll investigate any that feature such childlike themes as the board game Candy Land or "The Pink Panther" movie.

McCain, Senate Commerce Committee chairman, said he also may hold congressional hearings on the matter, and asked the Federal Trade Commission for help.

McCain was among members of Congress urged by a coalition of religious and civic leaders to do something about a gambling industry effort designed to bring children to casinos and apparently "shape the next generation of gambling addicts."

One organizer behind the letter was James Dobson, president of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family and a member of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, which spent two years studying the social and economic impact of gambling in America.