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Montana Casino Owners Arraigned Next Month

“Philip Keith and Lane Saunders were scheduled to make their first court appearance Thursday before Judge Susan Watters on a felony charge of credit gambling. The judge rescheduled the arraignment for July 10 at the request of the men's attorneys

“…The complaint filed March 14 names Keith and Saunders as defendants. Saunders is a partner in the business owned by Keith that operates three Lucky Lady casinos in Billings. The business entity operated by Keith and Saunders, Turn of the Century Inc., is also named as a defendant.

“…In court records, state prosecutors said members of a Billings family were granted immunity in the case in return for their cooperation during an investigation that began in late 1999. Greg Ryan and his brother, Pat Ryan, whose father owned a Billings Oldsmobile dealership for nearly 50 years, said they were allowed to gamble on credit in the Lucky Lady casinos, according to court records.

“…Greg Ryan's attorney, Vern Woodward, said Thursday that his client is the victim of a shady casino operation.

“…Pat Ryan was granted immunity last January. He told investigators that when he gambled at a Lucky Lady casino he received cash in exchange for a signed check with the amount left blank. When he was done gambling, according to court records, Pat Ryan said he would complete the check by writing in the amount less any winnings.

“…Credit gambling is defined as or any form of deferred payment for participating in a gambling activity. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.”

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