Monday, April 30, 2007

Casino officials upset with tax compromise


Missouri casino officials are not happy about a compromise which would repeal the loss limits, something they have long wanted, but would increase their taxes by 4.25 percent:

Now, under a bill that narrowly won initial Senate approval last week, that rule could go, too. But in an odd twist, casinos have dropped their support for the measure, a longtime industry priority.

The problem: The bill includes a $49 million gaming tax increase. Advertisement

Mike Winter, a lobbyist for the Missouri Gaming Association, said the group "is opposed to moving the bill forward" with the tax increase. Most casinos had agreed to a smaller increase.


Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields, who is sponsoring the bill, indicated he plans to concentrate on getting 18 votes to pass the bill and send it to the House, then work to reduce the tax there.

As I noted earlier today, Shields' loyalty to the casino interests has been amply rewarded.

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