Missouri Casinos Hit With Fine Over Underage Gamblers

Gambling News - October 2nd, 2009 - Written by Glen

Casinos in Missouri have been having a good year. That is to say, they were until recent times. Two casinos within the state have been hit with fines that could accurately be described as excessive. The Missouri Gaming Commission fined Pinnacle Entertainment $60,000 dollars, while they fined Ameristar Casino $25,000.

The Gaming Commission has expressed a zero-tolerance rule when it comes to underage gambling. The problem has, according to the Commission director, gotten worse.

Two incidents had taken place in Pinnacle's Lumiere Place casino. One gambler was 19, two years under the 21 limit, who had played both table games and video games on the floor. Several floor workers failed to notice his age, and he was not caught until a cashier happened to check his identification. Security seemed to be relaxing that day, as later on, a 20 year old managed to play blackjack and roulette, as well as have several alcoholic beverages, before he was caught, once again by a cashier. The commission originally decided on a $25,000 dollar fine, but boosted it to $60,000 dollars due to the frequency and severity of the inept blunders.

The Ameristar Casino took an equally harsh blow. A 19 year old managed to get onto the casino floor, but did not gamble, nor did he drink. He had left prior to his initial entrance, then came back and was caught and ejected, having never touched the games or alcohol. This hit Ameristar with a $25,000 dollar fine, upped from $10,000 dollars.

Millions of players pass through these doors every year, and unfortunately mishaps will occur. Steps are being taken to improve security to prevent underage gamblers from entering and gaming, but since the requirements of players cards and $500 dollar limits have been lifted, the incidence and prevalence of underage gambling has begun to climb.

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