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Casino Regulators' Budgets Questioned29 May 2003TRENTON, New Jersey – As reported by the Press of Atlantic City: "Should Atlantic City spend twice as much as Las Vegas each year on gaming enforcement? "That's the question state Sen. Bill Gormley and Assemblyman Frank Blee, both R-Atlantic, are asking as the Atlantic City casino industry looks for alternatives to the governor's proposed tax hike on casino revenue. "Gormley is suggesting that the state Legislature look at ways to reduce the budgets of the two agencies that regulate Atlantic City's casino industry, - the Division of Gaming Enforcement, or DGE, and the Casino Control Commission. The casinos would pass the savings to state and local programs. "…Gov. James E. McGreevey's spokesman Micah Rasmussen said simply, `We'll be glad to review it.' "The heads of the state's two regulatory agencies for gaming also were fairly tightlipped. "…Combined, the casino commission and the DGE are budgeted for $60.9 million for 2004. "Nevada's gaming regulation expenses are just above $30 million, even though its casino industry is much larger. "…While the argument is simple to understand, New Jersey legislators might be squeamish about tinkering with a gaming enforcement system that is widely considered the most reputable in the country. "… The industry is vigorously fighting McGreevey's proposal to raise the casino revenue tax from 8 cents to 10 cents and impose a new tax on complimentary rooms and meals offered by casinos…" |