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Arizona Moves Against Cheaters

``Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-0 Tuesday to endorse a special session bill (SB1002) that would make cheating a crime.

``Currently, any crimes at tribal casinos are investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by federal attorneys. The federal laws that give them that authority refer to enforcing state rules regarding cheating.

``...Since state rules don't exist, federal authorities have used a federal law banning theft from a tribe to prosecute cheaters. The bill would create a specific state law that would be easier to enforce.

``...Violations would be a class 6 felony, punishable by 4 months to 2 years and a fine of up to $150,000.

``Legislators also are considering the framework for new casino operating agreements with the state's tribes. The plan negotiated between Gov. Jane Hull and 17 tribes calls for the state to regulate card games at the casinos. State officials want a cheating law in place before they take on that responsibility.

``The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration..."

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