State Patrol Asks Commission for More Funding to Address Amendment 50 Impacts

 

Col. James M. Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, requested an additional $469,584 in funding from the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission at its December 17, 2009 meeting. They indicated that this funding would be used to hire 4 additional officers (2 in Gilpin and 2 in Teller Counties) resulting from increased activity resulting from 24-hour gaming.  Commissioners asked the director if the state patrol had gathered statistics revealing increased traffic and alcohol-related issues between the hours of 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and the chief indicated they had not but would be actively gathering data over the next few months.  Commissioner Alderden expressed concern about the state patrol's report to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) which stated that additional FTEs were needed to address "relaxed liquor-sale standards" by the casinos.  Ron Kammerzell, Division of Gaming Director, told the Commission that the Division is not aware of any violation of liquor-service policies since July 2, 2009 when the new regulations went into effect.  The Commission told Col. Wolfinbarger that they could not support the State Patrol's request to the JBC for additional funding until they can review data supporting an increase in traffic and DUI issues in the gaming districts.

 

In other Commission business, Michael Smith, CGA President, requested that the industry be advised regarding the measurement criteria the Commission will be using during the 2010 gaming tax hearings.  Mr. Smith indicated that during past gaming tax hearings, it has not been clear how the Commission measures profitability when setting the tax rates. 

 

Mr. Smith also told the Commission that statistics released by the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado indicate no increase in the number of calls placed to the gambling helpline, 1-800-522-4700, between the months of July-October 2009, after the Amendment 50 changes went into effect.  Notably, there has been no increase in the number of calls related to table game play.

The Colorado Gaming Association welcomes its newest associate member, Grant Thornton LLC. For local, national, and international companies, Grant Thornton provides a broad, competitive portfolio of accounting services for both private and public entities. They have provided services to gaming enterprises across the country and have been serving the gaming industry for more than 50 years.  For more information, please contact Maya Wagh, Audit Senior Manager, at 303.813.4041 or via email at maya.wagh@gt.com. To learn more about Grant Thornton's services, visit their website at http://www.grantthornton.com.

 

January 27, 2010, is the date for next year's CGA annual membership meeting.  The meeting will begin at 11:30 AM at the Plum Creek Golf & County Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock.  More details, including guest speaker(s) will be sent to you in the next few weeks.

 

If you have specific issues you would like to place issues on the agenda for discussion, please contact Lois Rice at 303-237-5480 or cologaming@gmail.com.  We hope to see you there!

CGA To Amend SB 173

 

The CGA Board of Directors has approved the introduction of legislation in the 2010 session to amend SB 173, which passed in 2009 and allows for state funding of "regional tourism projects."  The amendment would prohibit any gaming-related projects to be funded through this act.  Rep. Joe Rice will introduce the bill in the House, and Sen. Mark Scheffel is the Senate sponsor.  The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade supports this amendment.  To review the proposed amendment, click here.