Gaming briefs for August 8, 2003

Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

Scrutiny of cashless systems intensifies

The growth of cashless wagering systems has prompted the state Gaming Control Board to make some organizational changes to provide closer supervision.

Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said at the board's meeting in Carson City on Thursday that two senior auditors have been added to the newly named Information Technology Audit Group to help reduce inspection time and speed up approval for casino use of cashless gaming equipment. He said Sue Skrove has been named audit supervisor of the group.

Two electronic lab engineers have been added to the Electronic Services Division to handle and test the growing number of cashless wagering systems. The cost of the new staff will be financed by an increase in inspection fees charged to manufacturers of new games.

The board's electronic lab charges $430 for review of multi-game software modifications, up from $300, and $360 for single-game hardware or software modifications, up from $225. Associated equipment tests cost $360, up from $225. And reviews of new devices such as cashless machines cost $120 an hour, up from $75 an hour.

Police: Jackpot winner drugged

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The manager of a strip club and his girlfriend were arrested Thursday for allegedly drugging a Powerball jackpot winner and stealing $545,000 of the winner's money.

Authorities said Jeffrey Caplinger and Misty Arnold drugged Jack Whittaker with an unidentified substance Monday night before Caplinger took the money from Whittaker's vehicle as it idled outside the club, the Pink Pony.

Whittaker claimed a $113 million cash option after winning a record $314.9 million jackpot on Christmas Day. The day he collected his lump sum payment, he said he would tithe 10 percent of his winnings to charity, and he has donated at least $3 million to various churches.

Hearing on contracts canceled

MADISON, Wis. -- A hearing that had been scheduled for today in a lawsuit over Gov. Jim Doyle's authority to negotiate gaming compacts with tribes that operate casinos has been canceled, one of the attorneys in the case says.

Gordon Baldwin, a University of Wisconsin law professor representing Republican legislators who filed the suit, said Wednesday lawyers for both sides expect to file a stipulation next week outlining the issues in the case.

Agreement on the legal issues means there is no reason to hold Friday's hearing, he said.