Local communities, in trying to create different commercial and neighborhood environments, are without notice that a mini casino can sprout within the commercial district and within a neighborhood at any time. There is a need for community notification and a need to put businesses on notice that they must reach out to the community. However, even if the commission takes input from a local community, there is little discretion provided to the Gambling Commission in denying a license to an applicant that otherwise qualifies under the gambling laws. There is a need to explore whether there is a middle ground for local jurisdictions in decisions regarding the appearance of mini casinos in their community. Both cities and counties should be able to request a moratorium on granting approval of applications.
Local jurisdictions have very few options.
They can ban the activity or impose a 20 percent tax to deter card room businesses from operating. If local concerns are handled through zoning, there is a public hearing process where card room owners can make their case. Under this bill, cities can asked to stop license applications with no guaranteed hearing. This practice establishes a monopoly for those currently licensed, and it may put at risk those who seek a renewal of an existing license. This bill doesn't provide any additional options to the local jurisdiction or the Gambling Commission to deal with the situation.