Gambling Commission
recommends 'impact statements'
___WASHINGTON (BP)--A federal commission nearing the end of its work voted to recommend state and local governments require "gambling impact statements" when gambling is being introduced or significantly expanded.
___The recommendation of such statements, similar to environmental impact statements now required of businesses, was one of nearly 70 proposals approved by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission during its May 17-18 meeting in Washington. The nine-member panel considered more than 200 recommendations in its latest deliberations. The commission, which was established by Congress in 1996, will conclude its two-year study with a report to be released June 18.
___The "gambling impact statements" would seek to predict the economic and social effects on the region. They would be conducted by independent organizations.
___It is "one of our most important recommendations," commissioner Richard Leone, who made the proposal, told reporters. "I think a lot of uninformed decisions are being made, and they're being made in circumstances where the big picture is not being considered."
___Among the other recommendations approved were:
___
Betting on collegiate and other amateur athletic events, even in states where sports wagering is now legal, should be prohibited. Sports betting is legal in Delaware, Nevada and Oregon, with Nevada the prime location for gambling on athletic contests.
___ Legalized gambling, as well as loitering in gambling areas, should be banned for those under 21 years of age.
___ Internet gambling should be outlawed.
___ The federal government should encourage foreign governments not to harbor Internet gambling operations.
___ State-sponsored lotteries should be blocked from adding casino-style instant games.
___ Pari-mutuel gambling facilities, including racetracks, should be prevented from adding casino-style games primarily to salvage their business.
___ Convenience gambling, such as video poker in neighborhood stores, should be outlawed in states where it exists, and states without convenience gambling should refuse to introduce it.
___ Automated-teller machines and devices activated by credit or debit cards should be banned from casino floors and other areas where gambling occurs.
___ "Cruises to nowhere," which exist for the purpose of gambling off the coast of the United States, should be prohibited unless the state from which they originate legalizes such cruises.
___ Warnings of the risks of gambling and, where feasible, the odds of winning should be prominently posted in all gambling facilities.
___ Aggressive advertising of government-approved gambling should be banned, especially that targeting youth and low-income neighborhoods.
___ Congress should amend truth-in-advertising laws to apply to Indian gambling and state-run lotteries.
___The report of the commission, which has no authority to enforce its recommendations, will be the first national one on gambling since 1976.
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