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Casinos Cashing Paychecks Criticized

LAS VEGAS – As reported by the Associated Press: "It's payday and a long line has sprouted at the casino's cashier cage, where tellers dole out bundles of money.

"Nearly all the folks waiting this afternoon inside the Boulder Station casino are clutching paychecks. A waitress offers free margaritas to the growing crowd beneath catchy banners -`Just cash your check, spin and win?' `Everyone's a winner ... Guaranteed!' and `Free drink with every paycheck cashed.'

"Many in the line leave the casino without spending a penny of their hard-earned money. But others drop dollar after dollar into the ubiquitous slot and video poker machines.

"…Check cashing is business as usual Friday at many Las Vegas casinos, where residents flock to exchange their payroll or government checks for cash at no charge. The service puts people and their money inside the casinos but it also draws some criticism from those in and out of the industry.

"Patrons come to avoid the fees of check cashing centers and account requirement of banks.

"…Some of the biggest practitioners of this time-honored Nevada trade are Wall Street darlings such as Station Casinos and Boyd Gaming, companies that own casinos popular with residents.

"…The biggest companies in the industry - MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment - do not partake in the longtime tradition in or outside Nevada. In Las Vegas, these gambling goliaths depend on tourists rather than residents to drive their earnings.

"Harrah's Chairman Phil Satre said many communities frown upon the practice and it isn't worth the negative publicity.

"…Indiana, New Jersey, Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana are among the states that prohibit payroll or government check cashing at their casinos.

"Kevin Mullally, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, said people should not do their banking at casinos, which are for entertainment…"

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