The agendas are posted on the Google Calendar on the right side of this page.
Gaming in Kansas is about to expand. Read the story in the Wichita Eagle. Missouri is mentioned.
Illegal gambling operations don't pay taxes, are not regulated to protect consumers, and my be funding other criminal operations. The American Gaming Association is working to put an end to illegal gambling. Read the Associated Press story in the St.Louis Post Dispatch.
The Iowa Senate has voted to change gambling laws in the state. Read the story from the
The Missouri Gaming Commission mourns the passing of colleague and friend Mort Downie of Diamondhead, Mississippi. Mort, an employee of ABS Consulting who diligently inspected Missouri casinos since gaming’s inception in 1993, was a respected inspector, friend and colleague of MGC personnel, Missouri casino maintenance crews, divers, and anyone else with whom he came in contact during his inspections. Mort retired in March 2014, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mort’s favorite topic of conversation was his grandson, Tyler, and Tyler’s golf game. Mort was known by MGC personnel for his wit, sense of humor, love of family and dedication to his craft.
The MGC extends its deepest condolences to Mort’s wife of fifty-nine years, Teresa, his daughters Vallerie Downie and Vicki Haskins, his sister Ida Pace, his grandson Tyler Haskins, his ABS Consulting colleague Jeff Boyle, and his other relatives and friends.
A gathering to honor Mort will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Reimann Family Funeral Home in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Mort’s obituary can be accessed by clicking here.
Congratulations to the following individuals who are celebrating their anniversaries with the Missouri Gaming Commission during the month of April!
Debi Grueneberg 21 years
Brenda McKinzie 18 years
Jennifer Bruns 16 years
Tina Amick 13 years
Gail Carroll 11 years
Anthony Linhardt 8 years
Rick Reynolds 8 years
Drew Biermann 6 years
Randall Nielsen 6 years
Jennifer Casebeer 6 years
Ed Grewach 4 years
James Harlow 1 year
We thank you for your hard work and dedication!
January
David Climer 9 years
Angie Franks 17 years
Brian Graham 11 years
Thresa Gunnels 13 years
Carolyn Kerr 1 year
LeAnn McCarthy 11 years
Deb McDaniel 13 years
Cheryl Napoli 18 years
Sharon Patterson 17 years
Danielle Rikard 14 years
Roger Russell 6 years
February
Kelly Allen 1 year
Brad Baker 4 years
Cody Hanavan 5 years
Leshia Kempker 15 years
DeeDee Miller 1 year
Sharon Sprenger 9 years
March
Cheryl Alonzo 15 years
Amber Bernhardt 7 years
Kathy Cardenas 3 years
Tony Chinnici 10 years
Kelly Florea 10 years
Jason Hammond 15 years
Dawn Leehy 10 years
Michael Mitchener 10 years
Jake Neff 3 years
Tara Nivens 12 years
Angie Rinker-Lugo 2 years
Patricia Robinette 8 years
Congratulations!
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling
P.O. Box 105812, Jefferson City, MO, 65110; 888betsoff.org
March 4, 2015
Contact: Connor Stieferman
(573) 526-7467
‘Have the Conversation About Problem Gambling’
This month, members of the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, in conjunction with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), are honoring the second annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Month by focusing their efforts to spotlight the issue of problem gambling. The goal of the month-long awareness campaign is to educate the public about the warning signs of problem gambling and promote the availability of help offered in Missouri.
“We want to encourage everyone to ‘Have the Conversation,’” said Mike Winter, chairperson of the Missouri Alliance and executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “Often times, loved ones are the first to realize that a problem might be developing. We want all Missourians to be aware of the free help that is available.”
According to NCPG, gambling addiction affects 6 to 9 million Americans, or 2 to 3 percent of the population. Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks or warning signs associated with problem gambling.
“The vast majority of those who gamble do so responsibly. However, there are a small number who develop a problem,” said Winter, noting that problem gambling can impact relationships, families, businesses and communities.
The NCPG states that problem gambling is considered a “hidden addiction,” in which there is no physical test that specifies problematic gambling behavior. There are, however, warning signs in which gamblers, players and loved ones should familiarize themselves. These include, but are not limited to:
“If you believe someone you love has a gambling problem, we encourage you to access the help that is available to you,” said May Scheve Reardon, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. “We are continuing the distribution of the current ‘Help is on the Horizon’ campaign to bring awareness to the issue. We have also released a series of problem gambling public service announcements to radio stations across the state.”
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the Alliance urges you to “Have the Conversation” and call 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), a free resource that connects those living with gambling problems to free counseling and services.
The Missouri Alliance oversees the BETSOFF program, which features the toll-free help line, an email service, freehelp@888betsoff.org, and a website, 888betsoff.org.
About the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (888betsoff.org)
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, which was created in 1997, is a partnership between the Missouri Lottery, Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns, Inc., Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Missouri Gaming Association, Missouri Gaming Commission, Port Authority of Kansas City and a recovery community representative. The purpose of the Alliance is to educate Missourians on the potential characteristics and dangers of problem and compulsive gambling, to refer compulsive gamblers and their family and friends to free treatment through a toll-free help line, to prevent underage play and to promote responsible gaming.
A New Jersey casino will be taking wagers on skills. Interesting new form of gambling. Read the story at Philly.com
New Jersey has an interesting new initiative to be first in new gambling products.
