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Title-Holder Opposes Plan For Miss America Slots

"…The letter -- a copy of which was provided by Miss America CEO Robert Renneisen Jr. in response to a request -- recited a litany of problems with Miss America Organization staffers, saying they failed to prepare the Harmans for the special demands of being the parents of Miss America, treated the parents rudely, ignored their requests for information on Harman's daily schedule and failed to follow up on requests for bookings.

"…In a separate letter, Miss Oregon Scholarship Pageant executive director Dana Phillips said Harman objected to the idea of a Miss America-themed slot machine.

"To date, no such machine exists. Indeed, until recently, the Miss America Pageant has steadfastly steered clear of casino connections because of fears they could sully the image of Miss America.

"`She felt this concept was demeaning to the image of Miss America and that she would not endorse nor promote it if it came to fruition,' Phillips said.

"Renneisen, a former casino executive who took over the pageant two years ago, would not comment on plans for a Miss America-themed slot machine Tuesday.

"He said the organization was open to new product licensing initiatives and would not rule out such a venture.

"A Las Vegas gaming executive said this morning he understood slot maker AC Coin & Slot had been in talks with the pageant to produce a themed slot machine based on Miss America, but did not know if a deal had been signed.

"Until 1997, the pageant banned contestants from entering casinos at all, even though most contestants stay in casino hotel rooms while competing…"

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