There used to be a saying that Nevada was at the top of all the bad lists and the bottom of all the good ones. How do you feel about this one? WalletHub has ranked Nevada as the “most sinful” state in America. I’m not sure how they quantify “anger and hatred,” but the Silver State is ninth in that category. (It’s a good thing Washington D.C. isn’t a state or it would be #1.) The cost of gambling addiction—$500 million—was laid entirely at Nevada’s feet and widespread cigarette smoking didn’t help either. Per WalletHub’s methodology, we lead the nation in greed, are third in jealousy and lust, sixth in laziness, as well as in “excesses and vices” but are only 28th in vanity. Well, that’s something.
* On a more serious note, the American Gaming Association is teaming with the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers to help crack down on the widespread problem of black-market slot machines. Sure, AGEM is protecting its bottom line but the pestilence of “sweepstakes machines” and illegal slot routes has often been chronicled in these pages, so the AGA/AGEM action is well timed. The aim of the partnership is to help regulators and law enforcement “stop the proliferation of unregulated gaming machines.” One of the problems they’re highlighting is the potential for corruption that comes from the fly-by-night industry. The poster child for the issue is Illinois state Rep. Luis Arroyo (D), charged with soliciting kickbacks in return for using his good offices to get sweepstakes machines legalized.
AGA President Bill Miller said his agency “is encouraged that policymakers in some states such as Virginia have begun to recognize the dangers of these machines and have taken recent legislative action toward outlawing them. Unfortunately, other jurisdictions where these machines have become pervasive may believe their only recourse is to regulate and tax them. Rewarding bad behavior is not the answer, and we hope our education efforts will make it clear that the only real solution is to stop the spread of these devices.” Added AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater, “The regulated gaming industry has rarely been more united on a singular issue … The spread of these machines represents a serious threat to the overall regulated market that has invested billions in infrastructure while also creating thousands of jobs and substantial tax benefits in the communities they serve. Moreover, unregulated machines prey on confused players who see slot machine symbols and think they’re getting a fair chance when they absolutely are not.”
There are hundreds of “eight-liner” machines operating under a legal penumbra in Texas and 14,000 black-market slots in Missouri, where the governor—beholden to the manufacturers—is sitting on his hands. In Nebraska, 950 “skill” machines are in play, in a state that supposedly forbids casino gambling. Some states have been successful in curbing the problem, outlawing them in Ohio, Florida (where they nevertheless flourish because there is no regulatory body to crack down upon them) and California, and obtaining favorable court rulings in North Carolina and Alabama. The Pennsylvania lottery estimated a year ago that it had lost $95 million to “skill” devices.
The AGA and AGEM have proposed a set of best practices, beginning with setting up dedicated task forces to crack down on the black markets, including regular inspections of liquor licensees. Also, require “sweepstakes” machines to be state certified. Seize ones that aren’t. His scofflaws with deceptive-trade-practice indictments or confiscate their business licenses. Codify in law “what types of regulated amusement or entertainment games are allowed.” It’s an ambitious set of proposals but a badly needed one. The AGA and AGEM are to be commended for their joint action.
* Judging by how badly he is running the Boston Red Sox (two words: Mookie Betts), we can thank our lucky stars that John Henry didn’t buy Encore Boston Harbor when Matt Maddox pitched that hissy fit.
* In other Massachusetts news, state Rep. David Nangle (D) has been arrested on a 19-count indictment, charged with pilfering campaign funds to feed his gambling habit. He is charged with “extensive gambling at various casinos” although the indictment apparently does not specify which ones—doubtless to the relief of the casinos that have enjoyed Nangle’s patronage. Irony alert: Nangle is a member of the House Committee on Ethics.
* Sales have evidently been very good for Adam Lambert‘s limited engagement at Venelazzo. He’s added April 18 and 19 performances, with tickets going on sale Feb. 21. Just thought you’d like to know.
