Gaming briefs for September 1, 2004

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004 | 11:18 a.m.

Casino board member drops request for salary

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A member of the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino board of directors has dropped his proposal that board members receive an annual salary.

Perry Chapin wanted a $12,000 salary for himself and 12 other people who oversee the Altoona casino and horse racing business. His proposal was approved 6-5, but not without some criticism.

Chapin said in a letter to colleagues Monday that "it was not my desire to divide or distress the board members," and said he now wants the issue to be "reconsidered and denied" at the board's Sept. 22 meeting.

"I think reason has prevailed," board member Maggi Moss said Monday. "It means that we move on to the issues that are important. We stay united with everybody and keep moving on to the issues that are tantamount."

Ad for slots leads to arrest

CLOVIS, N.M. -- Undercover agents with the state Gaming Control Board arrested a man after he placed a newspaper ad to sell slot machines.

John A. Mesner, 59, of Clovis was arrested on five counts of possession of illegal gaming devices and one count of unlawful transportation, sale and distribution of a gaming device, the board said in a news release Tuesday.

The undercover agents who met with Mesner at his home seized five illegal slot machines, the board said.

The case was referred to the district attorney's office in Curry County.

"We want to remind the public that the possession, sale and-or distribution of unlicensed gaming devices is a felony crime in New Mexico and is strictly enforced by the Gaming Control Board," said Deputy Executive Director Greg Saunders.