Gaming briefs for Jan. 20, 2004

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 | 11:22 a.m.

Seven firms bid for license

Seven gaming companies have submitted applications to build and operate Illinois' 10th casino, a riverboat, in the suburbs south of Chicago.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Caesars Entertainment Inc., Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. and Penn National Gaming all submitted applications to the Illinois Gaming Board. Mandalay Resort Group, Wynn Resorts Ltd. and Southland Development Group submitted separate bids through partnerships.

The Illinois Gaming Board is expected to announce the winning bidder by March 15. That company will acquire the license currently held by the bankrupt Emerald Casino Inc.

Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. announced that it would not bid for the gaming license because it would require establishing the operation in the economically depressed South Suburbs.

"A riverboat located in the South Suburbs ... cannot generate as much revenue as a casino located in the more affluent suburbs," a Trump statement said, indicating that it would pursue an alternative means of obtaining a gaming license in that state.

Fred Keeton, regional vice president for Harrah's, said the project would attract customers from Wisconsin and Illinois who are not currently served by any existing casinos.

Miss. casinos suspected of financing anti-gambling group

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Almost $300,000 was spent last month to fight a proposal to legalize more gambling in Arkansas -- a proposal that so far doesn't exist.

A group called Arkansans for the 21st Century reported spending $299,866 in December in a report filed with the secretary of state's office. The report said the group spent the money on advertising and a telephone campaign as the Legislature gathered for a special session on education.

But no bill relating to gambling has yet been filed.

In the past, Arkansans for the 21st Century has been financed by consultants who do business with Mississippi casinos. It's not clear, however, who's financing the current effort. Legislators still say they believe it's the out-of-state gambling interests, however.

"I think it indicates how much money they take in with gamblers from Arkansas," Senate President pro-tem Jim Hill, D-Nashville, said Thursday.

Bill on compacts proposed

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A lawmaker who opposes gambling will push a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would give the Legislature the final say on tribal compacts.

Rep. Forrest Claunch, R-Midwest City, wants compacts approved by the governor and the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations to require approval by the Legislature.

"We have major public policy being decided by a group of 10 appointed people," Claunch said.

But Secretary of Finance Scott Meacham, who represents Gov. Brad Henry in tribal compact negotiations, said the idea could become burdensome.

"Routine things, such as changing language in a compact or renewing a compact, would require legislative approval," Meacham said. "We would need to have special sessions all the time."

Lottery restrictions considered

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New video lottery parlors could not open within 600 feet of a school, church, library, community center or the Capitol Complex under an ordinance the Charleston City Council is scheduled to consider this week.

The ordinance, approved Jan. 7 by the city's Municipal Planning Commission, is not receiving much opposition, said Councilman Jack Harrison, a co-sponsor. It will go to council's planning committee before heading to the full council Tuesday.

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