Casino loss-limits campaign gets new name
The group pushing for an end to loss limits at Missouri casinos has a new name.
It’s no longer the “Yes for Schools First Coalition.” It is, rather, “the YES on A Coalition.”
Why the change? Well, the Secretary of State recently said the measure will appear on the November ballot as Proposition A. And so it makes sense, said spokesman Scott Charton, to change the name of the group and tell people what to vote for.
“That was always the plan,” Charton said.
The Coalition, whatever you call it, is funded by two of the region’s biggest casino companies - Ameristar Casinos and Pinnacle Entertainment, which together have spent $2.4 million on the effort through June, according to filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
It is pushing a ballot measure that would end Missouri’s one-of-a-kind $500 casino loss limit, cap the number of casino licenses in the state at 13, and increase the state tax on casino revenue by one percent, generating an estimated $105 million to $130 million in new funding for Missouri schools (hence the “Yes for Schools First” part of the name).
The measure would still funnel that money directly to schools, Charton points out. The new name will just shift the focus to what’ll show up on the ballot.
“That’s the message we’re trying to send,” he said. “We hope people will vote yes on A.”
I know I will.
This is a no brainer.
I will be too.
The !@#$% player ID cards need to go. My wife and I decided to have a Saturday night out this weekend, hired a sitter and headed for Lumiere Place. We had a nice dinner and then waited in line half an hour just to get the stupid card. We felt like cattle herding through the waiting line. I am a yes vote for sure. We didn’t even bet $200 between us because we set our budget so why should we have to mess with the stupid card anyway?
Eliminate the proposed cap on casino licenses, and I’d be fully on board. The loss-limit concept is unworkable, and I’m willing to play along with the illusion that an increased casino tax will result in more money going to state schools.
But competition is important, and the threat of additional competition keeps the established players on their toes.
I haven’t made up my mind, but I’m leaning towards voting No.
If your worried about the loss limit come over to Illinois where there is no limit as to what you can lose. We’re happy to have your money. As far as the cap next time something like this comes up they’ll just vote again to raise the cap.
It’s time for this backward state to move forward, unless this issue passes and the limits are lifted this state is going to lose a fortune in tax revenue. The area casinos will start to close because they cannot compete with neighboring states. Kansas is going to open up on the Kansas-Missouri border, Chicago is opening up 3 additional Casinos to increase revenue. Missouri residents, are you ready to replace the tax revenues these operations provide? These tax dollars have to come from somewhere and guess what Missouri, your wallet will get even thinner! Our new state logo should be “WAKE UP MISSOURI”!
What people dont realize is that you will STILL be required to show ID to enter the casinos even if the loss limit is repealed. Missouri will be the ONLY state where EVERYONE is REQUIRED to provide photo ID to enter the casino.
Yet another example of Big Brother demanding a look into everyone’s business.
The brainless casino drones mantra.. “please let us lose more”.
Resistance is futile.