Missouri votes to lift casino loss limits
5 November 2008MISSOURI -- As reported by The Kansas City Star: "Missourians by a decisive margin Tuesday repealed the state's $500 loss limit on riverboat gamblers.
"...'Approval of this issue by the voters is a win,' said Troy Stremming, an Ameristar executive and leader of the Yes on A committee, 'not only for our state's economy and our schools, but also for common sense in that it allows us to compete on a level playing field against neighboring states with more liberal gaming laws.'
"The loss limit was the last remaining safeguard of several put in place in 1992 to restrain legalized casino gambling in Missouri, including boarding times and requirements that the floating casinos actually cruise the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
"...Passage means gamblers will soon be able to walk into any casino in the state without identifying themselves, unless challenged to prove they are at least 21. State officials said Tuesday that they expected the change to happen soon after results are certified by state authorities later this month.
"With the betting lid off, gamblers are expected to lose a lot more than the current statewide average of $66.67 per typical four-hour casino visit..."