MCMOA votes to increase funding for MCPG
Pub Date: 6/1/2006
The Montana Coin Machine Operators Association (MCMOA) held a short spring board meeting in conjunction with the annual state 8-Ball pool tournaments in Lewistown April 28 with nearly full attendance.
A number of anecdotal stories were shared concerning the implementation of the smoking ban. Although a few reported problems, many reported that the county health agencies were working with them to find workable solutions for their locations.
Following a brief report on the Research and Education Committee, including it s name change to Montana Hospitality Research and Education Fund, the board confirmed their annual $10,000 commitment to this group.
Problem Gambler Help Line posters were distributed and everyone was reminded to make sure that they are still posted in all of their locations.
After presenting the budget and overview of the number of people assisted by the Montana Council on Problem Gambling, the membership voted to increase their annual donation by $9,000. This will bring the total yearly contribution to $34,000 and will cover one quarter of the anticipated shortfall for 2006.
Much discussion centered around the final implementation of the Gambling Control Division's automated web-based reporting system for gaming machines with a number of route operators indicating that they are willing to participate as test sites.
Some concern was expressed about the ability of different accounting systems to report to the state web-site and the group's lobbyist, Ronda Carpenter-Wiggers, was directed to communicate these concerns directly to the division in order to get a confirmed response.
The final topic of discussion was Gambling Control s suggested revisions to the credit gambling statute. Although everyone agreed that the department s concerns were legitimate, no one was sure how to effectively address the problem without creating problems for day-to-day business transactions.
It was agreed MCMOA would continue to discuss the subject with the division in order to find an effective and agreeable solution.
The meeting ended with some general business including agreements to continue prior sponsorships of the Yellowstone Downs horse racing, an associate membership with the Gaming Industry Association of Montana and to be a sponsor for the Montana Tavern Association convention in September.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, June, 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.