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Missouri Casinos Finds Bill They Like

"A bill introduced in the Senate would increase entrance fees but give casinos a break by assessing them on a daily basis instead of every two hours. The plan also would eliminate the $500 loss limit.

"…`It's really the first bill that's been proposed that does away with the loss limit and at the same time is reasonable in what they're asking for in an increase in taxes,' said Troy Stremming, an Ameristar Casinos Inc. official who handles the [Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association] legislative affairs.

"Getting rid of loss limits would let people gamble without presenting identification cards and being enrolled in an electronic tracking system, he added.

"…The term `admission fee' is a bit of a misnomer. While casinos can charge customers, none do. Admittance is free. The companies pay the fees based on the number of people who pass through the turnstiles.

"The Senate plan would raise the entrance fee to $5 a day for each gambler, with $3 going to the state and $2 to the home-dock city. While that may sound like a big increase, it's not.

"…Preliminary estimates put the increased fee revenue from the bill at $17 million a year. Removing the loss limit would bring in $75 million because casinos would pay more in gross receipts taxes.

"…Gov. Bob Holden and legislators are trying to raise $175 million to $220 million for education. Holden's spokesman said last week that he was studying the Senate plan and had no immediate comment…"

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