Gaming news briefs for June 3, 2004

Thursday, June 3, 2004 | 11:13 a.m.

Gambling lobbyists earned $1.6 million in 2004 session

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The horse racing industry and gambling companies paid more than $1.6 million to lobbyists who represented them in the protracted battle over slot machines during the 2004 legislative session.

That figure did not include money spent by racing and gambling industry lobbyists to entertain legislators or money spent on publications, research and witnesses related to the unsuccessful campaign to get a slot machine bill through the legislature.

The figures were contained in reports filed by the end of the day Wednesday with the State Ethics Commission.

The biggest lobbying fees were paid by companies with the most at stake -- owners of Laurel and Pimlico racetracks and a company that had hoped to buy Rosecroft racetrack.

Casino opponents sue, seek to block statewide vote

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. -- Opponents of a proposed casino in this small southwest Missouri town are suing the state in an effort to keep the issue off the August ballot.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Jefferson City, names Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt as a defendant and asks a Cole County judge to declare the proposal unconstitutional.

The casino measure itself is a proposed constitutional amendment. Currently, the state constitution allows gambling only on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers; Rockaway Beach sits along the White River near Lake Taneycomo.

Rockaway Beach voters have given repeated approval to pursuing a casino, saying it would provide needed jobs and revenue. Opponents contend a casino so close to Branson would damage the area's family-friendly image.

In their lawsuit, the casino opponents attack the proposed amendment on two points: A provision setting aside half of the state's revenue from the proposed casino for designated school districts, and its exclusion of other towns along the White River.