Panel recommends no changes for casino industry

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004 | 10:05 a.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A legislative committee on Tuesday recommended keeping the status quo for Missouri's casino industry -- no tax increases and no repeal of the unique $500 loss limit for gamblers.

The recommendations of the Republican-led Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering could indicate another chilly reception for some of Democratic Gov. Bob Holden's legislative proposals.

Like last year, Holden probably will recommend a repeal of the loss limit and an increase in casino taxes as part of his budget to be submitted to legislators later this month, Holden spokeswoman Mary Still said.

"The governor believes that the gaming industry was brought into this state as a means to help support education, and education needs their help now more than ever," Still said.

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