Casino Watch Focus

• A brief look at crime Nov 16- Nov 22

  Woman who stole $28,600 from senior gets year in jail A former caregiver who fuelled her gambling addiction by bilking an elderly woman out of more than $28,000 in savings is going to jail. Carol Jean McQuade, 60, was handed a one-year jail term and two years of probation at [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 1:21am EST
  by tjdy

• UPDATE: Dan Lee, CEO of Pinnacle, resigns after an investigation into his behavior was launched

  Casino Watch Focus reported that the Missouri Gaming Commission was investigating the strong-arm incident at a recent casino rezoning meeting.  Now, The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that Daniel Lee has resigned as the CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.: The veteran casino industry executive resigned his job atop Pinnacle on [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 1:46am EST
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime Nov 9- Nov 15

  Financial, Extramarital Affairs Linked To Family In Murder-Suicide In the months since the suspected triple murder-suicide, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office investigators have tried to figure what could have prompted the husband to kill his family and then himself.  Investigators say friends of the family told them there was stress because [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 1:16am EST
  by tjdy

• Missouri Gaming Commission Looking into Pinnacle CEO’s strong-arm incident

  Casino Watch reported the extraordinary story of Pinnacle’s CEO Daniel Lee, who used some questionable methods to try to influence a recent rezoning vote that could have implications for the President Casino.  Now The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that the Missouri Gaming Commission is launching an investigation into [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 1:30am EST
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime Nov 2- Nov 8

  Ex-employee held for Oshrenko family massacre A 39-year-old man has been in police custody for several days on suspicion of having perpetrated the worst multiple homicide in Israel’s history last month, in which six members of the Oshrenko family were brutally stabbed to death in their Rishon Lezion home.  Kirilik, [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 11:23am EST
  by tjdy

• North St Louis County Casino Rezoning plan passed, despite strong-arm tactics by Vegas casino exec

  Casino Watch focus last reported that the idea of a casino in north St Louis county looked bleak given Pinnacle’s decision to fix the Admiral and leave the casino at its current location.  However, the issue still came before the Council and they voted 4-2 to approve the measure.  This [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 10:33am EST
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime Oct 26 – Nov 1

  Man guilty in great-grandpa murder Darius Huntington was found guilty of murdering a 69-year-old great-grandfather at his home in July.  Willie Rice was killed after hosting a poker party. Police allege  Huntington and two others arrested, Derrick Hewlett and Cordney Rowe , targeted Rice because he ran an illegal gambling [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:02am EST
  by tjdy

• Pinnacle looking to fix The Admiral and Keep the President casino put

  Casino Watch Focus has been reporting on the possibility of a new casino in the Spanish Lakes region of North St Louis.  The only way a new casino would even be possible would be if the President Casino were not allowed to remain open due to the condition of the [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 6:58pm EST
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 10/19/09 – 10/25/09

  Woman Shot at Legal Gambling Café A woman died after a gun accidentally discharged at a legal computer gambling cafe on Normandy Boulevard.  Police say the woman was on a computer gambling when a man walked into the Allied Veterans of the World Inc. Police say he had a gun [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 2:05am EDT
  by tjdy

• Florida House Speaker asks federal commission to stop Seminoles’ illegal games

  Casino Watch Focus has reported on the ongoing saga between the Florida legislature and the Seminole Tribe regarding an acceptable gambling compact.  The back and forth resulted in a deal to move forward with a compact that was to result in millions for the Florida government in exchange for new [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 2:27am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 10/12/09 – 10/18/09

  Trio of Murder Indictments in Tallahassee Leon County grand jury issues three murder indictments in a swift morning session.  Terrell Robinson was indicted for first degree murder in the strangulation of his girlfriend, FSU art student Elisabeth Killam. Killam was killed in her Chartre Oaks apartment three weeks ago.  The grand [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 1:03pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Illinois looking to legalize online horse betting

  Illinois is known for its diverse gambling venues. Everything from a state lottery to full casino gambling is legal in the state. Now, Illinois is looking to expand its horse betting business to the Internet.  An Illinois news source is reporting of the State’s latest attempt at solving budgetary problems [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:39am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 10/5/09 to 10/11/09

  Fraud case tied to escrow checks Mark Brady seemed to have it all during the real estate boom — two title companies, BMWs, a Hummer, powerboats, a $2 million home on Merritt Island, an oceanside condominium in Cape Canaveral and three other riverfront properties.  Then, two days before Christmas, Brady [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 2:56am EDT
  by tjdy

• Obama Administration looking to expand Tribal Gambling

  Casino Watch Focus first reported that the Bureau  of Indian Affairs established limits to how far a tribal casino could be built off-reservation.  With some exceptions, the general rule is that the casinos must be within 25 miles of a reservation.  Now, an online gambling article is pointing to a [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 2:52am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 9/28/09 to 10/4/09

  Prison Gambling Associated With Crime, Substance Abuse When Offenders Re-enter Community: Study Parolees with a gambling habit may resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when they are released from prison if there are few community supports to help them re-integrate, a University of Alberta study has concluded.  Gambling [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 2:53am EDT
  by tjdy

• Proposition A has opened the door to underage gambling

  With the passage of Missouri Proposition A, the ability to guarantee that State ID cards are being checked as patrons enter casinos has seriously diminished. Before Proposition A passed, an ID was required to get a boarding pass and each and every patron who wished to board the boats had [...]
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  Posted: October 11, 2009, 2:03am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 9/21 to 9/27/09

  Police officer suspended after being allegedly being caught in gambling raid A Shepherdsville police officer has been suspended after Hillview police say they caught him in a raid on an illegal gambling operation. They say a fake glass business was a front for gambling and that they found a makeshift casino [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 2:41am EDT
  by tjdy

• Update: Planning commission approves zoning for north St. Louis County casino

  Casino Watch Focus reported that the Spanish Lake area in North St Louis was holding meetings to determine zone eligibility for a new possible casino.  The St Louis Post Dispatch has reported the planning commission has approved the zone plan: The St. Louis County Planning Commission on Monday unanimously backed a [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 2:58am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 9/14 -9/20

  Man Nabbed for Burying Gambling Partner Alive A man in his 30s was apprehended Monday for allegedly kidnapping his friend, who had lured him into gambling, and burying him in a grave for hours.  Yu lost about 40 million won at an illegal gambling parlor to which he had been [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 2:37am EDT
  by tjdy

• US Appeals court says no to Internet gambling

  It has been long reported by Casino Watch Focus that Internet gambling was made illegal by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and that countless groups have tried and failed to overturn its ban.  The Kansas City Star has outlined the details of the latest attempt to overturn the ban [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2009, 2:57am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 9/7 – 9/13

  Man who killed doctor wife jailed for life A man who murdered his doctor wife in an unprovoked attack at their home was jailed for life today. She was a very gentle person and the irony is that her end should be so violent and so gruesome.  The court heard that [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2009, 2:23am EDT
  by tjdy

• Casino Watch Focus has reported that Delaware ...

  Casino Watch Focus has reported that Delaware passed a law that will allow single-event betting on NFL games.  The league expressed concern for the new law and they filed an injuction against the new law.  The NFL was joined in their suit by the other major sports leagues and the [...]
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  Posted: September 14, 2009, 2:28am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 8/31-9/6

  Accused threatened to murder estranged wife The man who stands accused of murdering his estranged wife in Tarxien on July 13 had previously threatened to kill her if he did not get half of everything during separation procedures, the victim’s sister testified on Tuesday. Ms Milenkovic said that her sister sought [...]
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  Posted: September 13, 2009, 2:34pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Missouri Gaming Commission rules 13th state casino license will be open to competition: The President Casino calls foul

  Casino Watch Focus has been providing updates to a situation that might allow for a new casino in the north St Louis area.  It has been long reported that the President Casino’s boat is in poor condition and will need to be either repaired or replaced by a new boat [...]
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  Posted: September 12, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 8/24 – 8/30

  Gambler son ordered tried in parents’ slayings A professional gambler was ordered to stand trial Friday on charges that he murdered his parents in their Pleasanton country club home in hopes of reaping an early inheritance to pay off mounting gaming and other debts.  Witnesses testified that the younger Scherer [...]
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  Posted: August 31, 2009, 2:37am EDT
  by tjdy

• UPDATE: Large Opposition to possible new Missouri casino at local planning meeting

  Casino Watch Focus reported that a meeting was being held by the St Louis Planning Commission regarding a possible new casino in North St Louis.  Now, The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting the results of the meeting and feelings of the community – and it wasn’t very positive for [...]
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  Posted: August 29, 2009, 2:53am EDT
  by casinowatch

• A brief look at crime 8/17 – 8/23

  1 dead, 3 injured in overnight shooting in St. Louis A teenager is dead and three other people are hospitalized after a shooting in St. Louis.  Investigators say the victims and others had been gambling in a dice game prior to the shooting. Founder of BetonSports Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Forfeits [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 8:40pm EDT
  by tjdy

• UPDATE: NFL worried Delaware sports gambling laws will spread across the US

  Casino Watch Focus previously explained that Delaware passed a law that will allow single-event betting on NFL games.  Currently, only Nevada allows betting on the NFL, a practice the NFL itself has strongly opposed.  The NFL has aggressively attempted to stop or delay this new law.  An online source is [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 7:51pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 8/10 – 8/16

  Ontario mom ‘on roll’ in casino leaves infant in car A Tilbury woman, who was “on a roll” while gambling, faces charges after a six-month-old infant was found in a vehicle parked in the Caesars Windsor parking garage in the early morning hours of Aug. 6, 2009. Two Men Charged [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 11:09pm EDT
  by casinowatch

• A brief look at crime 8/3 to 8/9

  Gambling den kingpin, aide hacked to death In an act of revenge a kingpin of a gambling den and his assistant were hacked to death in the wee hours of Thursday by a group of people. Mohammad Shafi Mohammad Hanif (40), who ran a gambling den, and his assistant were [...]
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  Posted: August 14, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Planning Commission to hold hearing on North County casino

  The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting about an important meeting being held by the St Louis Planning Commission regarding a possible new casino in North St Louis.  This meeting represents an important first step in the process.  Proposition A placed a cap on the number of casinos at 13.  [...]
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  Posted: August 07, 2009, 2:36am EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 7/27-8/2

  Police Believe Gambling Motive for Shooting The 17-year-old arrested in Sunday night’s shooting in southeast Rochester could face attempted murder charges. Police say the teen allegedly shot Michael Mills in the face and the shoulder. Pakistani executive of US firm faces charges A former Pakistani-American top executive at a [...]
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  Posted: August 06, 2009, 10:06pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Just How did the gambling industry influenced FL’s recent gambling expansion ?

  Casino Watch Focus previously reported that the Florida legislature passed a massive new gambling expansion compact with the Seminole Tribe.  It was also reported that non-tribal facilities would be expanding as well, through higher betting limits, longer hours of operation, and access to ATM machines on gambling floors.  Such attempts [...]
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  Posted: July 31, 2009, 6:13pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 7/20-7/26

  Iowan says he planned robbery, not stabbing, rape The sentencing hearing for a man convicted in a 1999 kidnapping and violent sexual assault has been continued to this afternoon following testimony that shed light on what initiated a chain of events a decade ago.  Ricardo Louison, 47, formerly of LeMars, [...]
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  Posted: July 30, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 7/13-7/19

  Couple accused of drink-ing and gambling in bar while kids waited outside in van Police arrested a Glyndon, Minn., couple late Sunday after they allegedly left four children in a van while drinking and gambling inside a downtown Fargo bar. Cass County Social Services was contacted, and the children were turned [...]
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  Posted: July 22, 2009, 2:26am EDT
  by tjdy

• Delaware legalizes gambling on NFL Games – the National Football League Opposes

  Delaware has passed a law that will allow single-event betting on NFL games.  Currently, only Nevada allows betting on the NFL, a practice the NFL itself has strongly opposed. The law is set to be in effect by the beginning of this years NFL season, but court challenges could hold [...]
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  Posted: July 20, 2009, 2:33am EDT
  by tjdy

• Missouri governor Jay Nixon veto’s bingo gambling expansion

  Bingo has long been a means of gambling that some view as acceptable.  Those who push that argument justify that form of gambling by look to the money that it can raise for charities or even churches who are active in the community and looking to give back.  That was [...]
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  Posted: July 19, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at crime 7/06-7/12

  Gambler Husband Kills Objecting Wife Enraged by her scolding on his gambling habit, a husband in Kulgam killed his wife by a sharp-edged weapon and hid the body under mustard bushels. The senior superintendent of the police for Kulgam, Keshav Ram Churasa, said that the victim’s body had been hidden [...]
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  Posted: July 18, 2009, 4:12pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at gambling related crimes 6/29-7/05

  Gamblers committing more crime than previously thought, study finds Eighty-five per cent recognised that their gambling had caused harm to others, including family or [friends].  “There is substantial unreported gambling-related crime which is ‘invisible’ to the authorities,” says Dr Bellringer.  “This raises the possibility that there may be significant economic and [...]
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  Posted: July 07, 2009, 2:22am EDT
  by tjdy

• Gambler sues casino for $23 million loss

  Casino Watch Focus has reported on several cases involving casinos being sued for failing to recognize and take steps against problem gamblers.  None of these cases have been successful even though there were some convincing examples of casinos failing to uphold their “duty to care” burden.  Yahoo News is reporting [...]
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  Posted: July 06, 2009, 7:51pm EDT
  by tjdy

• A brief look at Gambling related Crime 6/22-6/28

  Authorities say con man blew $400,000 in a day at casino Authorities say a Park City con man who severed his ankle bracelet and fled Utah before he could be sentenced tried to fake his own suicide and gambled away at least $400,000 while on the run. Authorities say he had [...]
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  Posted: June 30, 2009, 2:15am EDT
  by tjdy

• Turner Report: New Gaming Commission Director has long ties to gambling industry

  Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed Jim Mathewson as the new Missouri Gaming Commission Director.  Mathewson, a Democrate, served in the State Senate from 1980 to 2006.  The Turner Report is explaining that Mathewson has ties to the gambling industry that go back to 2002, when pushed a bill to remove [...]
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  Posted: June 29, 2009, 6:46pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Kentucky House Passes Gambling Bill but Senate likely to vote no

  Casino Watch Focus has reported numerous times on Ky Governor Steve Beshear’s attempt at expanding gambling by legalizing casinos.  Governor Beshear campaigned on the idea that he was going to make full scale casino gambling legal.  Of course, he faced opposition from the horse racing industry and countless pro-family, anti-gambling [...]
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  Posted: June 24, 2009, 2:04am EDT
  by tjdy

• 600 Million dollars embezzled from bank then laundered through an Australian Casino

  Casino Watch Focus has reported on just how important loss limits were to preventing money laundering and keeping criminal elements out of our state.  Now a story from Australia shows us just how much damage can be done when no gambling limits are imposed.  An online article explains the story: Chinese [...]
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  Posted: June 23, 2009, 9:47pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Economic Outlook not so hopeful for casinos

  Many have regarded the casino industry as recession proof.  But casinos all over the country, including key gambling centers like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, have been “down on their luck” because of the recession.  Now it looks like the market trends that began in 2008 will continue for the [...]
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  Posted: June 22, 2009, 12:49pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Pro family groups take a stand against online gambling

  Casino Watch Focus explained that in 2006 Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.  UIGEA made it illegal for online gambling companies to accept money for unlawful Internet gambling transactions and it called for regulations on the banking and payment processing industry.  There have been a few examples of [...]
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  Posted: June 18, 2009, 8:54pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Gambler endangers life of infant and toddler

  Unfortunately, this is not the first time Casino Watch Focus has reported acts of parents leaving children in the car while they gamble, and sadly, this may not be the last time either.  The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that a father has left his infant and toddler in the [...]
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  Posted: June 16, 2009, 2:26am EDT
  by tjdy

• Rep Barney Frank said freedom to gamble on line outweighs dangers to children

  Casino Watch Focus reported that Rep Barney Frank introduced a bill to legalize internet gambling despite an overwhelming amount of opposition.  Now, in a radio interview on Nevada Public Radio, Frank is claiming that personal freedom to gamble online should outweigh the need to protect children.  Frank believes that because [...]
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  Posted: June 15, 2009, 6:05pm EDT
  by casinowatch

• Representative Jim McDermott introduces Internet Gambling Tax Act as complement to Rep. Franks bill

  Casino Watch Focus reported that Rep. Franks introduced a bill to legalize internet gaming.  Now, an online gambling source is reporting that a complementary bill has been introduced: Shortly after Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced comprehensive internet gambling legislation on Wednesday, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation and [...]
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  Posted: May 26, 2009, 9:20am EDT
  by tjdy

• US Representative Barney Frank introduces bill to legalize internet gambling despite opposition from National Football League and others

  An online news magazine is reporting that Representative Frank introduced the bill earlier this month, and it would require online gambling sites to obtain a license from the Treasury Department.  Of course Rep. Frank claims the games would be fair and children wouldn’t be allowed to gamble, but the he [...]
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  Posted: May 25, 2009, 8:14am EDT
  by tjdy

• MIT expert explains the “zone” and how gambling machines are designed to exploit gamblers for casino and state profit

  Casino Watch Focus has reported on the importance and qualifications of Natasha Shull’s research and commented on how problem gamblers are often the focus, not the the problem machines.  In the same MIT article, Natasha comments on the flawed rational of local governments who seek to exploit people for budgetary [...]
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  Posted: May 22, 2009, 8:56am EDT
  by tjdy

• Why do we focus on problem gamblers but not problem machines?

  Natasha Shull, a cultural anthropologist and assistant professor in MIT’s Program on Science, Technology and Society, has spent the last 15 years researching and studding the gambling industry and more specifically, the machines they develop to make big profits.  Natasha has written a book, Machine Zone: Technology and Compulsion in [...]
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  Posted: May 21, 2009, 9:39am EDT
  by tjdy

• Local gambling expert explains the cost of gambling far out weighs any benefits

  Casino Watch Focus reported that local experts point to easy casino access as a key reason why the Joplin area is experiencing an increase in problem gambling.  The same Joplin Globe article addressed why the costs of casinos far out weights their benefits: There are four “steps” or levels by which [...]
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  Posted: May 19, 2009, 12:54pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Local experts say Problem gambling growing in Joplin due to easy access of Casinos

  Casino Watch Focus previously reported that a new Oklahoma casino, which is located on the boarder of Oklahoma and Missouri, would be aggressively targeting the Joplin market for employees and would be gamblers.  Now, The Joplin Globe interviewed local gambling experts to determine the impact of the new casino and [...]
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  Posted: May 18, 2009, 12:49pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Florida Update: Seminole tribe allowed to expand gambling

  A local Florida paper provided the summary of what deal the legislature passed to allow gambling expansion in the state: [T]he House and Senate voted to let Gov. Crist negotiate a gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe.  Crist had tried to negotiate his own deal but his proposal was overturned by [...]
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  Posted: May 16, 2009, 12:27pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Loss limit repeal is not translating into big revenue for Missouri casinos or our schools

  The St Louis Business Journal is reporting that the removal of the loss limit has not been the economic panacea that supporters claimed it would be: The state repealed a $500-in-two-hours loss limit at casinos in the hopes of generating much needed revenue for the education system. The projections had the [...]
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  Posted: May 11, 2009, 9:50pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Urgent: ‘ADDICTING FAMILIES FOR DOLLARS’ - Florida’s new gambling expansion plan that you can help stop

  Casino Watch Focus previously reported on the new gambling expansion plan in Florida.  But you can help make a difference.  Please visit the Casino Watch Florida Gambling Expansion Alert page for more details http://www.casinowatch.org/legislative/Florida_Gambling_Expansion_Alert.html For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH, & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION Posted in Addiction, [...]
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  Posted: April 28, 2009, 12:36pm EDT
  by tjdy

• FL governor makes a desperate last minute attempt at expanding gambling

  Casino Watch Focus previously reported that the FL legislature, being pushed by Gov Crist, was examining two proposals to expand gambling in the state of FL.  Neither proposal seemed very good for the people of the state and it appears the legislature agreed.  Because Gov Crist was unsuccessful in passing [...]
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  Posted: April 27, 2009, 9:40am EDT
  by tjdy

• Foxwood casino working with authorities in craigslist killer case

  The St Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that investigators are working with the Foxwood casino to confirm Philip’s gambling debts: Investigators believe Markoff was a gambler based on their interviews with witnesses and are trying to retrace his steps to find out whether he had been visiting casinos in the last [...]
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  Posted: April 26, 2009, 2:00am EDT
  by tjdy

• Craigslist killer may have attacked more women

  Casino Watch Focus has reported that the alleged Craigslist Killer, Philip Markoff, had a gambling debt that police allege motivated the robbery of two women and the murder of another.  Now, The Kansas City Star is reporting that there could be even more victims: Investigators are looking into gambling as the [...]
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  Posted: April 25, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Craigslist killer’s gambling problems started in school

  Casino Watch Focus has reported that the alleged Craigslist Killer, Philip Markoff, had a gambling debt that police allege motivated the robbery of two women and the murder of another.  Now, The NY Times is reporting that Philip started gambling and getting into debt while he was in school: James Kehoe, [...]
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  Posted: April 24, 2009, 8:07pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Police claim alleged craigslist killer committed crimes to pay off gambling debt

  In a very comprehensive article by ABC news, they outline the alleged crimes Phillip Markoff, aka the Craigslist Killer, committed, and his likely motivation: Philip Markoff, the accused “Craigslist Killer” currently being held in Boston on murder charges, gambled all night at the Foxwoods Casino two days after he allegedly killed [...]
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  Posted: April 23, 2009, 2:10pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Legislature looking to expose Floridians to the dangers of gambling at much younger ages and at a more accelerated rate

  A recent web article explains the possible new changes to Florida’s gambling laws: Floridians could soon see a change to gambling laws in their state after proposals to relax the rules on age restrictions and limits on stakes have been put forward. At present Florida residents can gamble in Seminole resorts and [...]
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  Posted: April 15, 2009, 2:15am EDT
  by tjdy

• Florida legislature looking to expands gambling even as economist say their plans wont work

  The Miami Herald is reporting the specifics of a new FL House Bill aimed at expanding gambling as a means to generate extra money for the state: Amid warnings that expanding gambling is not a good bet for the state this year, a House committee passed a scaled-back Indian gaming bill [...]
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  Posted: April 14, 2009, 6:06pm EDT
  by tjdy

• FL legislators differ on Seminole gambling compact – Senate seeks full Vegas Style gambling

  A recent web article is reporting that Florida House and Senate bills are each proposing very different proposals on how to deal with the Seminole gambling compact: Recently, a Senate Committee approved a Bill that would bring a widespread philosophical change to gambling in Florida. The Bill would expand gambling to [...]
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  Posted: April 13, 2009, 5:42pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Missouri’s moral mandate to protect problem-gamblers

  As previously reported, MO House Rep. David Sater wants to divert money raised for problem gamblers to fund other programs.  Rick Alm of the Kansas City Star reported the views of local gambling counselors: Kansas City area gambling counselor Keith Spare is alarmed and said the decision could cost the state [...]
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  Posted: March 25, 2009, 9:30am EDT
  by tjdy

• MO State Rep David Sater wants to pull money away from problem gambling programs

  An online article is reporting that Rep Sater wants to move money away from problem gambling programs to put extra money in the general fund: State Representative David Sater, a Republican from Cassville, has downplayed the importance of problem gambling addiction.  Sater is proposing that the state move money that was [...]
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  Posted: March 24, 2009, 10:14pm EDT
  by tjdy

• President Obama joins in March Madness and promotes gambling

  An article entitled “President Obama Smiles on Online Sports Gambling,” explains how he is disregarding online gambling laws and is showing a favor for online gambling: As is usual this time of year, the hottest online wagering is sports gambling on the college basketball championship tournament. The latest fan to come [...]
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  Posted: March 23, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
  by tjdy

• the madness of march gambling

  As we enter into another year of March Madness its important to understand the impact that office pools have on employers and the communities. Obviously, not all office pools will result in gambling, however, a vast majority do involve illegal gambling. A USAtody article points to reports of online pools [...]
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  Posted: March 19, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Self – ban lists help prevent suicides

  Missouri is not alone when it comes to a self-exclusion list.  Casino Watch Focus has repeatedly reported on the benefits of self-exclusion lists.  Pennsylvania and New Jersey are examples of other states with a self-ban list.  The Associated Press has reported that the New Jersey’s list has doubled in the [...]
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  Posted: March 11, 2009, 11:22pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Missouri University: ‘Gambling a silent addiction’

  Last year Casino Watch Focus reported that Missouri University was part of a coalition of universities working to educated students about the dangers of gambling.  This year, the local MU paper, The Maneater, is reporting that the Partners in Prevention program is up to 13 members.  They highlighted the fact [...]
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  Posted: March 09, 2009, 10:44pm EDT
  by tjdy

• FL cruise ships looking to become local casinos

  The Orlando Sentinel has reported that the Canaveral Port Authority is looking to legislators to allow gambling on their ships while in port.  Right now, cruise ships can only offer gambling three miles off the coast because they are in international waters.  The Orlando Sentinel explains: Under the plan — [...]
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  Posted: March 06, 2009, 1:54pm EST
  by casinowatch

• Fl legislative session begins, and so do talks of gambling

  The Florida legislative session has now begun and over 2,000 bills have already been filed.  Even though there is a wide range of issues, the primary focus seems to be on the economy.  Forbes is reporting that Fl is looking to all sources to find new money, including expanding gambling: “The [...]
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  Posted: March 05, 2009, 1:12pm EST
  by tjdy

• URGENT: HB566 - Mini Casino’s are one step closer

  Casino Watch Focus has reported many times on the threat of HB566.  This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ray Salva, sets up mini-casino’s all over the state with little restriction and even less regulation.  This bill has now been voted “do pass” out of its committee, which means the bill is [...]
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  Posted: March 02, 2009, 9:48am EST
  by tjdy

• How HB 566 is attempting to usurp the Missouri Constitution and the will of the people by expanding gambling to the entire state

  Casino Watch Focus first reported that HB566  was introduced by Rep. Ray Salva.  This bill allows fraternal organizations to allow class II type “bingo” slot machines.  The Missouri Constitution limits gambling to just the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, so how could slot machines be allowed anywhere else?  This bill looks [...]
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  Posted: February 24, 2009, 12:21pm EST
  by tjdy

• Hypocritical Actions or Misguided revenge – the question of the proposed mini-casinos

  During the campaign against Proposition A Representative Ray Salva took a very aggressive stand against the casino industry and Proposition A.  In the beginning, it was clear that Rep Salva was looking to stop Proposition A because it would stop a casino from being build in his communities; a casino [...]
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  Posted: February 18, 2009, 1:00am EST
  by tjdy

• HB 566 – “bingo slot machines” and mini-casinos coming to a neighborhood near you

  Rick Alm of The Kansas City Star has reported on a very devastating piece of legislation being proposed in Missouri that would allow fraternal lodges and halls to establish “untaxed mini-casinos:” Introduced last week by Sugar Creek Democrat Rep. Ray Salva, the measure would allow any fraternal, veterans, religious and other [...]
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  Posted: February 17, 2009, 10:46am EST
  by tjdy

• Appellate court upholds Proposition A

  The Kansas City Star has reported that an appellate court panel has rejected the notion that Proposition A was unconstitutional: Plaintiffs alleged the ballot question amounted to unlawful “logrolling” that forced voters to decide yes or no on multiple unrelated issues by casting only a single vote.  A three-judge panel of [...]
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  Posted: February 16, 2009, 9:56am EST
  by tjdy

• Details of FBI wiretaps on Impeached Blagojevich’s alleged gambling related “pay to play” policy released

  Casino Watch Focus has reported that the “pay to play” allegations of now Impeached Gov Blagojevich were centered around gambling.  Now, The Kansas City Star has reported on the content of the FBI wiretaps that lead to Blagojevich’s impeachment: [I]mpeachment jurors were able to listen to FBI wiretaps of conversations in [...]
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  Posted: February 13, 2009, 1:00am EST
  by tjdy

• Horse racing Bill part of Blagojevich’s alleged “pay to play” policy

  As we all know, Gov Rod Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges and then later impeached and removed from service.  What many people may not be aware of however, is how gambling has lead to these allegations.  The Olympian, a local Washington paper, has explained how gambling is behind [...]
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  Posted: February 12, 2009, 11:23am EST
  by tjdy

• Blagojevich’s financial advisor pleads guilty to gambling related corruption

  Casino Watch Focus originally reported on the relationship between Impeached Gov Blogojevich and his fundraiser and chief financial advisor, Chris Kelly. The Kansas City Star has reported that Chris Kelly has pleaded guilty to those corruptions charges: Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s former chief fundraiser has admitted he illegally used corporate funds [...]
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  Posted: February 11, 2009, 11:36am EST
  by tjdy

• How gambling seed money elected and controlled an impeached Gov Rod Blagojevich

  I suppose people have come to expect a certain degree of corrupt political behavior from the Chicago Political Machine, but few realize just how much influence gambling has on Chicago corruptions.  The Sun Times does a great job connecting the dots by explaining Blagojevich’s connection to a man named Chris [...]
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  Posted: February 05, 2009, 12:10pm EST
  by tjdy

• Allegations surface that impeached Gov Rob Blagojevich was a former mob bookie

  A truly shocking story has been reported by ABC Channel 7 News in Chicago.  Robert Cooley, an attorney who went undercover for the FBI, came forward claiming Blagojevich was running an illegal gambling operation.  ABC Channel 7 News explained: Cooley says that before Rod Blagojevich got into politics he was a [...]
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  Posted: February 04, 2009, 11:58am EST
  by tjdy

• Missouri Gaming Commission looking to authorize more expanded gambling

  CNN is reporting Pinnacle Entertainment is looking to move their President Casino to a new spot on the Mississippi river, and they will likely see little resistance from the MGC.  The President has been in financial trouble all year and executives believe a move to a spot near the Chain [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2008, 11:03am EST
  by tjdy

• Ameristar lays off 5% of work force after Prop A Passes

  During the Proposition A campaign, we heard countless times that Prop A would protect jobs in Missouri.  The Yes on A campaign even played a commercial with an employee asking people to vote Yes on A to help save her job.  Casino Watch pointed out that market forces would impact [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2008, 11:36am EST
  by tjdy

• More sources casting doubt on the casino’s ability to provide money to schools

  In a recent article by the Columbia Tribune, the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education explained why Prop A money should not be counted on: [Gene McNary, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC)] visited casinos in St. Louis and Kansas City last week and [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2008, 1:18pm EST
  by tjdy

• The Casinos are already backpedaling on their promises from Proposition A

  In a recent article in the Springfield News-Leader Mike Winter, the executive director for the Missouri Gaming Association, said they may not be able to deliver on their promise of new money to schools: While pushing Proposition A, which removed the $500 loss limit per two-hour “excursion,” proponents pointed to an [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2008, 1:10pm EST
  by tjdy

• Man Shot in the Face at Ameristar Casino

  KMBC reported this tragic story: Police are investigating after a 54-year-old man was shot leaving Ameristar Casino early Friday morning. KMBC’s Jana Corrie reported that the victim was a passenger in a car that was leaving the casino. Police told Corrie that an older-model blue car with peeling paint cut off the [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2008, 10:25am EST
  by tjdy

• Statement on Proposition A

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nov 4, 2008) ST LOUIS – In today’s election, Proposition A has been passed. Evelio Silvera, spokesperson for Casino Watch Committee issued the following statement: “We are grateful for all those who joined us in this grassroots effort to protect Missouri families. We stood strong in a bipartisan effort [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2008, 11:04pm EST
  by casinowatch

• The Casinos Spent over $12 million Out of State for ‘Yes on A’ campaign instead of investing the money in Missouri Companies

  The casinos have long claimed that they invest in our communities and help stimulate our economy.  But reports from the ethics commission reveal that 82% of the Yes on A spending went out of state.  Very little was spent in the state as $12,380,082 were sent out of state.  The [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2008, 10:06am EST
  by tjdy

• Clean Sweep: The SouthEast Missourian Rounds Out the State Papers for “NO” on Prop A Endorsements

  On Sunday the SouthEast Missourian endorsed a “NO” vote on Prop A: This proposition has been touted as a way to raise more than $100 million for public education in Missouri, but the estimates are questionable, particularly at a time when the economy is down, as reflected by casino revenue in [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2008, 9:16am EST
  by tjdy

• NOonA.com Campaign Hits the Airwaves with TV Ad “Rotten Proposition”

  ST.LOUIS – Nov. 1 – Casino Watch Committee, the NOonA.com Campaign today released its latest television ad, entitled “Rotten Proposition.” The ad highlights the main endorsements and arguments against Proposition A. The ad will air Saturday, November 1st through Election Day throughout Missouri on various cable networks. VIEW THE TELEVISION AD BELOW [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2008, 8:52am EST
  by tjdy

• Current Highway Patrol Capt: “Taking Away the Players Card Takes Away a Great Enforcement Tool”

  Highway Patrol Captain Lester Elder is the supervisor of the 100 plus troopers in the gaming enforcement division, and he has a unique prospective on the $500 loss limit.  In a recent newspaper interview he explained that The Patrol doesn’t take official stands on election issues.  However, he was very [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2008, 5:27pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Yes on A campaign paid retired Patrol Captain $12,000 in an attempt to undermine facts from current Highway Patrol

  (Oct 31, 2008)  ST LOUIS - According to Missouri ethics reports, the Yes on A coalition has paid retired Highway Patrol Captain Larry Buschjost $12,000 plus $1,668 for expenses. The Yes on A coalition faces opposition from the NOonA.com campaign as they released figures from the current Missouri State Highway Patrol.  [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2008, 4:48pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Another Teacher Comes Forward Saying She was Tricked into Supporting Prop A

  We first reported that a teacher came forward who explained the unethical practices used by the casinos to get teacher support for Proposition A.  Now Marjorie Ball, a substitute student-teacher supervisor for the Carl Junction school district has also come forward claiming she was used by the casinos to promote [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2008, 11:20am EDT
  by tjdy

• Latest Educator in Yes on A ads received nearly $14,000 for Endorsement

  The latest Ad from the Yes on A coalition features Dr. Gene Oakley.  In the ad he says that he is an education advocate and supports Proposition A.  What the ad doesn’t tell you is that DR Oakley received $13,558.67 for his endorsement.  Reports from the Missouri Ethics Commission show [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2008, 10:21am EDT
  by tjdy

• School teacher’s name falsely used to endorse Proposition A

  (Oct 29, 200 ST LOUIS – A southwest Missouri school teacher’s name has falsely appeared on promotional materials for Proposition A, and he said it was done unethically. Doug Campbell, Vocal Music Instructor at Carl Junction Junior High School was astonished to receive mail from the Yes on A collation that [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2008, 9:32am EDT
  by tjdy

• Columbia Tribune: Vote NO on Proposition A

  The Columbia Tribune warned voters of the dangers of Proposition A, but today they came out with a NO Vote on Proposition A endorsements: The proposition is being promoted and funded by two big casino companies that already operate in the state. They want to limit future competition, and no current [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2008, 4:22pm EDT
  by tjdy

• Bolivar MO News: No’ on Proposition A

  From Kansas City, to Joplin, Springfield to Jefferson City, and Columbia to St Louis, major news sources are urging a NO Vote on Proposition because they understand it weakens our law enforcement, expands gambling at the worst economic time, and exploits our schools, all for the casino’s economic gain. Bolivar MO [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2008, 11:33am EDT
  by tjdy

• Jefferson City News Tribune: Vote ‘no’ on deceitful Proposition A

  The News Tribune in Jefferson City adds its self to the impressive list of major serving papers to urge a NO vote on Proposition A.  They view this proposition as highly deceitful and something the Show-me State should soundly reject: If honesty is the best policy, the campaign for Proposition A [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2008, 9:37am EDT
  by tjdy