House Includes Rep. Atkins’ Amendments to the proposed gambling bill

For Immediate Release

April 13, 2010

Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord) was successful in sponsoring two amendments to casino legislation now being debated in the House of Representatives.

The first amendment relates to the creation of lists of excluded persons. As filed, the legislation would require the proposed Massachusetts Gaming Commission to establish a list of excluded persons who are to be banned from gaming establishments. Atkins’ adopted amendment strengthens the bill by including language that would prohibit gaming establishments from marketing to persons on the excluded persons list.

The second amendment requires all gaming establishments to have security patrols outside the gaming establishments who conduct regular checks of parking areas for minors left in motor vehicles. Furthermore, security patrols shall immediately report any such finding to police on the premises who are required by law to report the incident to the Department of Social Services for further investigation.

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