In mid-July the state of Missouri caused a stir in the gaming industry when a federal grand jury issued a 22-count indictment on BetonSports chief executive David Carruthers. At the end of October the state sent another ripple through the gambling community when the Missouri Gaming Commission announced its intention to take over the running of a riverboat casino, a decision practically unprecedented in the industry. Missouri is one of a few states in the US that have enacted laws against online gambling.

In the capital St Louis yesterday, BetonSports Plc and government prosecutors agreed a court order permanently banning the online operator from taking bets in the United States. The order, details of which have yet to be released, is expected to be filed with the court later this week. David Carruthers, fired by BetonSports following his arrest, remains in St Louis on US$1 million bond awaiting trial. The lawyer acting for BetonSports has said the restraining order agreed yesterday was not an admission of guilt by the company.

Last Friday the Missouri Gaming Commission announced it is working in tandem with Casino Aztar, state and local government officials to preserve jobs and tax revenues in Caruthersville. The Commission approved an agreement to appoint a Supervisor to oversee operations at the riverboat casino. Should the casino be closed because of a deadline to license a new owner, 283 jobs and an annual US$6 million would be in jeopardy.

A press conference at Casino Aztar has been called for today and the casino management, MGC officials, the Caruthersville Mayor and state and local officials will be present. It is anticipated that the present Casino Aztar general manager will remain in charge of operations. Aztar Corp has been acquired by the Kentucky-based Columbia Sussex Corp, a company that has previously been denied a casino operating licence in Missouri. For that reason the riverboat is for sale. A deal for Fortunes Entertainment LLC to buy Casino Aztar was terminated by mutual agreement last week and a new purchaser is being sought.
(E-11.07.06)

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