Gaming news briefs for May 3, 2004

Monday, May 3, 2004 | 11:03 a.m.

Three firms fined; Harrah's wins approval for Indiana boat

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gambling regulators have cleared up a backlog of casino violations dating to 2001, ordering nine fines totaling $754,000.

The largest of the fines the Indiana Gaming Commission ordered was a $375,000 penalty against Harrah's Entertainment for eight violations at its riverboat casino in East Chicago.

Commission members approved the fine on Friday shortly before they tentatively approved Harrah's plan to take ownership of another riverboat casino in northwest Indiana, the Horseshoe in Hammond. The Hammond deal is part of Harrah's acquisition of Horseshoe Gaming, which needs approval from the Federal Trade Commission.

The violations that led to the Harrah's fine included failing to safeguard money; using inadequate surveillance equipment; failing to maintain the appropriate number of workers at craps tables; and failing to have a security guard posted at all times in the poker room.

Trump Casino in Gary also was fined $213,000 for violations since 2001, including failure to stop marketing employees from manipulating frequent player cards to provide credits for family members, neighbors and friends.

Argosy Casino in Lawrenceburg will pay $100,000 for violations since 2000, including the destruction of records, many of them related to financial discrepancies.

Casino measure fails

JUNEAU, Alaska -- A bill that could lead to a casino opening in Anchorage narrowly failed in the House on Saturday, but it could come up for another vote today.

The bill was voted down 19-19 after a lengthy debate over whether a casino would provide valuable jobs and revenue to the state or create a host of social ills and open the door to more gambling in Alaska.

Bills need 21 votes to pass the House.

Perry Green, a well-known Anchorage furrier and poker player, is pushing the legislation. He wants to put a casino in the shuttered Alaska Seafood International plant.

Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Eagle River, said a casino would likely create trouble for people who have problems with addictions.

"I believe that gambling is a menace to society," Dahlstrom said

Opponents also said the bill could open the door to more casinos because Alaska could be required to allow casinos operated by Indian tribes.