Senate supports video bingo limit

• By JORDAN BLUM
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: May 15, 2008 - Page: 8A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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State legislation that would cut off the expansion of video bingo machines that resemble video poker or slot machines was approved Wednesday in Senate.

But it was first loaded up with amendments to the point that it would eventually ban video bingo machines altogether in parishes where video poker already is illegal.

Another amendment would regulate charitable organizations using video bingo machines similar to casinos under the purview of the Louisiana State Police.

State Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, who handled House Bill 280 in the Senate, argued that packing on amendments could kill the legislation. Martiny has sought to curtail video bingo machines resembling slot machines since they began spreading five years ago.

“I believe most of the amendments put on that bill were for that (video bingo) industry,” Martiny said of the method of amending a bill to decrease its chance of passage.

Critics allege the legislation would hurt charities that rely on video bingo for fundraising.

Certain video bingo machines are simply a sneaky expansion of gambling without a public vote, Martiny said.

Video bingo machines resembling slot machines are an extension of the gambling industry that no one ever intended to exist, Martiny said.

HB280, which was authored by Rep. Ernest Wooton, R-Belle Chasse, must now return to the House for concurrence on the amendments.

HB280 says there can be no new video bingo machines after Aug. 15 with features that simulate slot reels or card games.

Martiny, who denied accusations that he is fighting video bingo to help support the opposing video poker industry, chided legislators who voted for the amendments.

“Those were not anti-gambling votes,” Martiny said. “Those were safe votes you can explain at home.”

State Sen. Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, a gambling critic,  pushed the amendment to outlaw video bingo by 2010 in parishes where video poker is banned.