GIA mulls membership, online gambling
By Paul Tash
Montana Tavern Times
Members of the Gaming Industry Association's board of directors discussed ways to increase membership to relieve a worsening financial pinch at its meeting Sept. 8 in Helena.
Executive Director Neil Peterson said “tough economic conditions” in the state gaming industry has resulted in the GIA losing 20-25 members.
“Tough times produce tough decisions,” Peterson said when discussing why members aren't renewing.
The GIA had to make a tough decision itself, as it has suspended its financial support of the Montana Council on Problem Gambling. As one of four main industry sponsors of the Council, the GIA contributed $34,000 annually to the Council. The three remaining sponsors are the Montana Tavern Association, the Montana Coin Machine Operators Association and Town Pump.
Board President Stuart Ellison acknowledged the GIA difficulties, but said they can be overcome.
“I think we're a pretty creative group,” he said.
The GIA needs to explain better the benefits of membership, he said.
John Tooke added that everybody in the gaming industry should be involved in trade groups to ensure the industry's voice is heard in the political arena.
“To be successful politically, you can't stand on the sidelines,” he said. “You have to be active.”
Peterson said membership benefits include “networking opportunities” that allow operators to talk shop with each other and the vital industry information provided to members that helps them run their operations better.
“If you can prove value, you can get people to join.”
Kent Frampton suggested the board develop a mailing list of the 650 or so operators who have at least 15 gaming machines and send them a ”very personable” letter to solicit membership.
Joe McKenney, a former legislator who used direct mail often in his campaigns, suggested that a postcard be sent instead of a letter because “you don't have to open it to read it.”
The board then agreed to have Peterson explore the costs of producing a post card to be sent to prospective members.
In other business, the board discussed the issue of internet gaming, and a disturbing trend that has some states and gaming organizations softening their traditional stand against legalizing some forms of internet gaming, which currently is federally prohibited.
“As states are looking for ways to raise revenue,” Peterson said, “these proposals gain traction.”
Peterson referred to an article written by Nelson Rose, a California law professor, that illustrates efforts by land-based casinos to buy up internet-gaming technology “so they'll be ready” when it's legalized.
“Land-based casinos figured out that if this goes, they can make a lot of money,” Peterson said.
And, he said, the American Gaming Association has eased its traditional opposition to internet gambling.
No proposal to legalize internet gambling has been introduced in Montana, Peterson said, and the GIA has consistently opposed the legalization of internet gambling in any form.
But, he added, the landscape is changing.
“Everybody needs to be aware of what's going on.”
Peterson also answered some questions regarding the new mandatory server training program. Those answers included:
• Licensee owners do not have to be trained if they don't actually serve or sell alcohol;
• Workers do not need to be trained again before Oct. 1 if they've been trained within the last three years.
• Charitable organizations, even if they are required to get a special permit, do not have to have their volunteers trained.
Peterson said he would continue sending out training schedules “as training opportunities come up.” He then mentioned that a TIPS “Train the Trainer” session is scheduled in Helena Oct. 11-12.
The board set its next meeting for Thursday, Nov. 10, in Helena. It also decided to have its annual meeting and convention next year in Great Falls May 15-16.