New to the issue of instant racing machines? Read this terrific summary that details state-by-state the major debates going on around the country regarding these machines. It also gives a synopsis of what instant racing is and draws the conclusion that instant racing machines are very similar in many ways to regular slot machines.
Fact Sheets
What’s it like to play an instant racing machine?
Attached is a first-hand account from Debbie Blank and Pat Loonjer, both of Nebraska and both members of Stop Predatory Gambling, regarding what it’s like to play an instant racing machine- a growing trend at race tracks across the country. Gambling interests paint these machines as no different than betting on a live horse race, but reading this account shows how far that is from reality.
Nebraska Attorney General on instant racing machines
Attached is a copy of the Nebraska attorney general’s opinion regarding a bill that discusses whether or not instant racing machines are legal under the Nebraska constitution. In the end, the attorney general, Jon Bruning, concludes that, “LB 1102’s attempt to authorize wagering on the results of previously run horse races through the use of IRTs [instant racing terminals] resembling slot machines or other video gambling devices does not constitute a form of parimutuel wagering which the Legislature may permit”. In other words, according to the attorney general, under the Nebraska constitution, instant racing machines, or terminals, are not legal methods of gambling.
Maryland attorney general comes out against instant racing machines
Below is a copy of the opinion of Douglas Gansler, the attorney general for the state of Maryland, wherein he explains that he does not believe instant racing machines are legal, due to the fact that they do not use pari-mutuel betting (betting against a pool rather than against the house) and are thus a form of slot machine, which is not allowed at Maryland race tracks. This opinion represents a large development because the legal arm of government has begun not to support these machines.
Proposal to withdraw rules for the installation of instant racing machines
This attached letter is a proposal sent to the executive director of the Texas Racing Commission, Chuck Trout, asking him to withdraw proposals for the installation of instant, or historical, racing machines. The author argues that these machines are no different than slot machines, which are banned in Texas. Also included is the patent for these machines as well as an affidavit regarding an experience with these machines.
How gambling interests describe instant racing machines
Below is a screenshot of how gambling interests describe instant racing machines. Even though anyone can see that these machines are little more than an extension of slot machines, gambling interests continue to describe them as “pari-mutuel betting”.
Memo outlining the case against instant racing machines
Below is a memo that outlines the case against instant racing machines. This is a great read to become more educated on the topic of instant racing machines, how they work, and how the are different from conventional horse-race betting.
The Casino Practice of Lending Money to Citizens Who Then Gamble It All Away
The casino business model is based on patrons who “chase” their losses which means people who continue gambling to try to get back the money they have already lost to the casino. Borrowing money to gamble is one of the most glaring warning signs of problem gambling. One way casinos exploit the mind set of those who chase their losses is by loaning money to gamblers who do not have the cash on hand to continue gambling at the casino. Below is an example of the predatory casinos loan process taken from the Harrah’s Metropolis (IL) Casino website on May 30, 2012.
The Definition of a Pathological Gambler
According to the American Psychiatric Association, in order to be diagnosed as a pathological gambler, someone must meet five of the ten criteria below:
- Committing crimes to get money to gamble
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or quit gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or feelings of sadness or anxiety
- Gambling larger amounts of money to try to make back previous losses
- Having had many unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling
- Losing a job, relationship, or educational or career opportunity due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Needing to borrow money due to gambling losses
- Needing to gamble larger amounts of money in order to feel excitement
- Spending a lot of time thinking about gambling, such as remembering past experiences or ways to get more money with which to gamble
The Ugly World of Casino Debt Collection
Casinos often give out loans (or “markers” as they are known) to players in need of cash. To keep them coming back, casinos generally charge an interest rate of 0% and give players several months to repay loans that can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. But when players can’t pay the loans back, casinos send a demand letter and can refer the case to the local District Attorney’s office bad check unit which prosecutes such crimes. Sometimes casinos file a civil suit as well. In addition, casinos (like other debt collection agencies) do not have to abide by regulations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.