For-profit casino measure fails to make November ballot

From Oregonlive.com (the Oregonian), 7/27/10 --

One of two initiatives that would allow a gambling casino at the defunct Multnomah Kennel Club in Wood Village failed to gather enough valid signatures to get on the November ballot, the Oregon secretary of state's office announced Tuesday.

The initiative would have provided an exemption from Oregon's constitutional ban on casinos. Without the exemption, the proposed casino -- which backers say would generate $147 million for state programs annually -- is dead in the water. At least for now. "

Read the full story.

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What are your thoughts on a private casino initiative in Oregon? Do you think it would contribute to more social problems, or would it be good for the economy?

Roseburg City Council says 'no' to social gambling

6/23/09

By Chelsea Duncan
The News-Review

The Roseburg City Council voted Monday night against allowing “social gambling” in the city despite reports that other cities that allow it have seen few problems.

Councilor Mike Baker said he doesn't believe the city should be in the business of promoting the activity, which involves low-stakes games, such as poker, in private businesses or clubs.

“I just don't think it's something that is desirable in Roseburg,” Baker said...

[Click here to read the full article.]

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What are your thoughts on "social gambling" (city/local ordinances that allow for low-stakes gambling in private business or clubs)? Feel free to share your experiences and/or research in the comments section!

Oregon Problem Gambling Services Budget Update, 5/19/09

[See the full page, including the complete Co-Chairs' recommmended budget here.]

On May 18, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Co-Chairs' recommended a 15% reduction from 07-09 Essential Budget Level for Problem Gambling Services, not the elimination of services.
Currently line items dealing with Problem Gambling Services:

• 111 - AMH - Reduce Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention by 15% (-$1,623,716)
• 112 - AMH - Reduce Problem Gambling program support by 15% (-$421,820)

Keep in mind that this is a Ways and Means Recommended Budget and must be approved by the full legislature. The recommended budget includes some tax increases that are receiving opposition.

It is expected that the legislature will complete a final budget by June 30. Legislators may still be contacted, including support or concerns you may have about this latest budget package.

[See the full page, including the complete Co-Chairs' recommmended budget here.]

U.S. House bill proposes to study online gambling

House Bill 2140 was introduced to the United States House of Representatives on May 3, 2007, with the intention to "provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling."

Among many other issues, the study would include:
Section 3a.(2C): " a determination of the impact of Internet gambling on minors and compulsive gamblers and the availability of regulatory and technological safeguards to prevent or mitigate these impacts;"

Full text of the bill (H.R. 2140) may be viewed here.

Thanks to Bill Ursel of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan, for this update.

Oregon school gambling policies

Note: The following policies were located online in a search of policies related to gambling (October 2006). This sampling of policies is not exhaustive, but meant as a guide to help facilitate the development of school gambling policies, given that student/parent handbooks are written in various formats.

Amity School District (Amity) Student/Parent Handbook
Definition: Participation in game of chance for the purpose of exchanging money.
Consequences: “Students shall be liable to discipline, suspension, or expulsion for misconduct including…gambling.”

Cascade Middle School (Bend) Student Handbook
Definition: To wager money or anything of value on the outcome of a game, contest or other event.
Consequences: “(Gambling) may result in detention, loss of privileges and/or suspension on the first offense; serious or repeated offenses may result in recommendation for expulsion.”

Elmira High School (Elmira) Student/Parent Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: (No definition for gambling listed.)
Consequences: Step 1= Detention/Wednesday School; Step 2= Suspension 1-3 School Days; Step 3= Suspension 5-10 School Days

Fir Ridge Campus Alternative High School (Portland) Student Handbook
Definition: Risking something of value in hopes of winning something else of value is prohibited on school property or at school activities.
Descriptor (no specific consequence listed): Gambling is listed as one of the “prohibited actions which are never allowed on campus or at school function.”

Gaston Junior/Senior High School (Gaston) Student Handbook 2004-2005
Definition: Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money and other things of value
Consequences: First offense=ranges from informal talk to suspension. Repeated offense=ranges from conference to suspension.

Grant Union High School (John Day) Student Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: Participating in games of chance for purpose of exchanging money.
Consequences: Range from informal talk to suspension.

Junction City High School (Junction City) Student Handbook 2005-2006
Consequences: Step 1 = Detention, confiscation of property; Step 2 = Suspension 1-5 days
(No definition for gambling listed.)

Lundy Elementary School (Lowell) Student Handbook 2003-2004
Descriptor: “Gambling will not be allowed in the school buildings or on the school grounds, or during school sponsored activities.”
(No definition or specific consequences for gambling listed.)

Monroe Middle School (Eugene) Student/Parent Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: All forms of gambling are forbidden and will not be permitted. Soliciting or conducting a lottery on school ground is also forbidden.
Discipline: “Depending on seriousness of situation, full range of sanctions apply including suspension and possible expulsion.”

North Marion High School (Aurora) Student Handbook 2003-2004
Definition: participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money or property.
Consequences: Gambling is listed as one of the “serious misconduct” behaviors. (No specific consequence listed.)

Oakridge High School (Oakridge) Student Planner 2005-2006
Consequences: First occurrence=1 day suspension, 10 points; Repeated occurrences=1 day suspension, 20 points.
(No definition for gambling listed.)

Rogue River High School (Rogue River) Student Handbook 2006-2007
Definition: Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money, property, or services.
Consequences: First offense= conference to suspension. Repeated offense= Suspension to expulsion.

Thurston High School (Springfield) Student Handbook 2006-2007
“Gambling in any form between students is prohibited.”
(No definition for gambling listed.)