Stir crazy in Massachusetts

For all the restrictions it has placed upon its casinos, there’s one restraint the Massachusetts Gaming Commission wants to ease. It has proposed raising the $600 ‘IRS lockdown’ imposed on slot winners: “a player will not be able to play the machine again Crosbyuntil a casino or slots employee takes down the player’s name, address and 5 percent off of the $600 in winnings for a state withholding tax.” The prevailing lockdown point in the U.S. is $1,200. Commissioners are worried that the inconvenience of a lower jackpot lockdown could impel them to play in Rhode Island or other neighboring states.

“And the whole point of the Massachusetts law was to repatriate Massachusetts dollars that are now being spent in other states, and this runs counter to that objective for regular players, making it much more problematic,” explained MGC Chairman Stephen Crosby. Among those pushing for the change is Penn National Gaming, whose racino will sit practically atop the state line. But lawmakers are pushing back. “We’re going to hold your feet to the fire. If this holds water, if this is really an issue, we will give it a serious look,” was Crosby’s summary of their objections.

* The MGC also took testimony from new Attorney General Maura Healey over whether ATMs should be permitted in casinos or not. Crosby indicated that the MGC had received quite a volume of comments over whether ATMs should be within 15 feet of casinos or not, without revealing which way public opinion was running. Healey also proposing forbidding casinos from selling players’ debt to collection agencies.

* New Orleans casinos had better prepare to feel a squeeze. Smoking in Crescent City gambling halls has been banned.

* It only makes sense to lower the license-renewal fee for an Ohio casino worker to $196. Right now it costs as much to renew — $546 — as to initially apply. That’s an unfair burden to apply.

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