Regulators, manufacturer back state control of kid-themed slots

Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 | 11:47 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A proposed regulation to ban children-themed slot machines and other gambling devices from Nevada casinos gained support Thursday from state regulators and the slot manufacturer known for saying the federal government should keep its nose out of gaming.

Robert Faiss, attorney for the slot machine and gaming device company International Game Technology, told the state Gaming Commission, "You can make the right decision to control gaming rather than the federal government."

Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval said there was a "consensus" on the proposed regulation and praised the state Gaming Control Board for "taking a leadership role."

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona last week suggested that the federal government should start looking at slot machines that feature "child-enticing themes." He asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into the issue and said he may have a congressional committee conduct hearings.

The Gaming Commission held a public hearing on a draft regulation that would prohibit slots and other devices based on a product that is marketed and used by people under 21. It's aimed at stopping cartoon characters, comic strip superheroes, kiddie board games and other child-familiar themes from being used to promote slot machines.

Sandoval named a subcommittee of himself, Commissioner Arthur Marshal of Las Vegas and state Gaming Control Board member Dennis Neilander to conduct a workshop Jan. 5 in Carson City. A new draft will be presented for approval to the commission at its Jan. 27 Las Vegas meeting. Sandoval said he wanted to move quickly on this regulation.

"No manufacturer has intentionally sought to attract children," Faiss said. There were penalties for allowing children in gambling areas or playing slots or games, he noted.

Opponents of gaming are using the "tots for slots" issue as a way to get the federal government involved in regulation, Faiss said.

He referred to the National Gaming Study Commission's report, which said regulation is best left to the states.

James Chamberlain, Nevada Resort Association attorney, said the organization "does not want gaming licensees marketing to children." He said the industry supported the concept of the regulation.

But the gaming industry wants some changes in the regulation, which will be outlined at the subcommittee hearing.

The proposed regulation, drafted by Neilander, would exempt those themed machines now in use.

In the future there would be an automatic ban on slots or other devices that promote a television program or a board game, which cater primarily to minors.

There's a section that would permit themes from motion pictures, books or magazines created for general audiences. Such themes would need board approval.