Already in the news for its 26 August decision to deny Pinnacle Entertainment the possibility of maintaining its President Casino operation beyond 19 July 2010, the Missouri Gaming Commission has now come down hard on violations of its underage gambling regulations and fined the gaming companies Ameristar and Pinnacle. The fines have been described as ‘excessive’ but Commissioners have told the Gaming Association to look at procedures at Missouri casinos and develop a ‘best practice’ list to present later this month.

Commission staff had recommended a $25,000 fine for Pinnacle, which had allowed a 19-year old and a 20-year old to gamble before a cashier checked for identity, and a $10,000 fine for Ameristar after a 19-year old was found to be on the gaming floor although neither drinking nor gambling. However, the panel of five Gaming Commissioners decided to fine Pinnacle $60,000 and Ameristar $25,000, saying the fines would show that the Commission had no tolerance for casinos that failed to deny entry to those under 21.

Last November the voter approval that ended Missouri’s $500 loss limit also ended the requirement for gamblers to sign up for an identification card. Now those entering a casino only need to show identification and sometimes under 21s get past casino security. The Gaming Commission says that a unified system of ID checking needs to be developed and adopted by the casinos. The matter will be under discussion at the October Commission meeting.
(E-10.01.09)

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