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www.euroslot-online.com INTERNATIONAL NEWS - USA
Illinois video poker could happen Keeping gambling from
I
n veto-proof majorities in both the Illinois House and Senate, each licensed bar and
the neighbourhoods
truck stop statewide will be permitted to operate up to five video gaming devices. As
part of an omnibus bill favored by Governor Pat Quinn, the Video Gaming Act is among
many fundraising provisions. The 30% tax on legal poker earnings could generate $375 T
he Louisiana State Senate has approved SB 273, requiring video
poker machines inside truck stops to be at least half a mile from
million in annual revenues for the state, with much allocated toward educational projects. residential properties. If enacted into law, it would apply to truck
If the Video Gaming Act included within the bill simulates an earlier version, it will stops seeking new gaming license applications after January 1, 2010.
benefit independent amusement operators by offering licensing opportunities to However, in other news that will help Louisiana operators, the
participate in any legal video poker market. state legislators defeated a bill, by a 71-29 margin, to expand any
smoking bans in bars and casinos. Opponents persuaded lawmakers
that more restrictions would hurt business, negatively impacting the
state with lower tax revenues. Like most states, Louisiana faces
Nationwide tobacco changes
budget deficits this year.
P
resident Barack Obama has endorsed The Family Smoking Prevention and Legalizing online gaming
Tobacco Control Act, which will give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) unprecedented authority to regulate tobacco products. The measure
overwhelmingly passed both the Senate and the House in early June.
The FDA will issue tough new regulations relating to the composition,
U
.S. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-
MA) has introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation Consumer
manufacturing and marketing of cigarette and tobacco products. There is even
Protection & Enforcement Act. It would allow online gambling in the U.S.
talk that as a public gesture, the administration may want to outlaw cigarette
for the first time in three years. American businesses could legally compete
vending entirely.
in this market for the first time.
Approximately 45 million American adults smoke. The Congressional
The Act permits the U.S. Treasury Department to license, regulate and
Budget Office estimates these regulations may reduce youth smoking by 11%
enforce this market. Previously, only offshore casinos and European
and adult smoking by 2% within 10 years.
companies could legally provide online gambling to American players. Three
years ago, Congress banned U.S. credit card companies and banks from
supporting online gambling, effectively shutting down the marketplace.
One key motivation in Washington is the potential federal tax on legalized
online gambling. Operators worry that as another competing consumer
activity, legalized online gambling may cut into leisure dollars currently
going to the amusements industry.
Frank is presenting his bill as a vehicle for free choice. It includes
provisions to prevent underage gambling, protect consumer privacy and
combat fraud and money laundering. As part of the Patriot Act passed
after September 11, 2001, the gaming industry already operates under strict
regulation to eliminate money laundering to potential terrorist groups.
The Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) and the
American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) have closely
monitored Internet gambling legislation to protect the amusements
industry’s rights to conduct online skill tournaments with cash prizes.
AMOA and AAMA will sustain their lobbying efforts with key Congressional
members to guarantee their continuation.
Rudowicz leaves AAMA
IAAPA and IALEI merger update
A
fter an eventful decade, veteran American Amusement Machine
Association (AAMA) leader Mike Rudowicz has stepped down
as president. With 40 years of industry experience, he brought
A
knowledge of both distribution and manufacturing to his job.
s of press time, negotiators from the International Association for the Leisure
John Schultz, another 40-year professional, will replace Rudowicz.
and Entertainment Industry (IALEI) and the International Association of
Schultz has served as director of new business development and
Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) were completing the conditions of the
international sales at Apple Industries, a supplier of photo booths.
proposed merger between the two groups. IALEI presented IAAPA with more than
Before joining Apple, he served from 1998 to 2008 as President of
1,000 pages of legal documents for review. IAAPA's board was expected to vote the
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corp. An AAMA board member, Schultz was
merger package up or down in late June. Following a “yes” vote,
vice-chairman of the executive committee. He will relocate from
IALEI's board would then meet to reinforce an earlier vote to proceed with the
California to Chicago. Founded in 1981, the AAMA is an international
merger. The voting process conforms to Illinois state laws, where IALEI operates as a
nonprofit trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors
non-profit organization.
and part suppliers involved in the coin-operated amusement industry.
JULY/AUGUST 2009
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