Montana labor news., 1948-06-10
MELTON FOR GOVERNOR
Facts Speak Louder Than
Political Words

Mr.. and Mrs. Montana Taxpayer:
Before you decide for or against legal control Of gamb-
ling study this over:
One Montana Sheriff reports that there is no semblance
of law enforcement against gambling in most Montana
cities. Vigilance committees are complaining to the Attor-
ney General and asking for law enforcement:
The situation is almost exactly analogous to the boot
logger situation in 1898. At that time law enforcement
against bootlegging seemed to have broken down entirely.
Montana gambling laws, as they now function, are
shrouded in uncertainty and based on varying court deci-
sions. The truth is that because of poorly drawn laws,
smacking of class legislation, unfairness, uncertainty, even
the tavern keepers wish something could be done about it.
These men are also in a highly competitive business, and if
their competitor runs a game and attracts trade. almost in
self preservation, they start up. This promotes favortism
from friendly local officers, and brings disrespect and dis
dain for the entire law set-up. Sheriffs report that it is al
most a hopeless task to determine who is right and who is
wrong and enforce any kind of restraint.
In the meantime let US look at our neighboring state and
see how Idaho, (who seems to have been aroused by the
possibilities of tax relief through licensed gambling) is
handling the situation.
Pocatello Tribune, June 1, 1913.
Twin Falls: ASSOCIATED Press Release).
Idaho slot machines are turning out a Jackpot for city,
county and state treasures.
The state legalized the machines March 19, 1917. Since
then the state has received 1851, 5s1.O4 in license fees.
Counties have received half that sum.
But the city of Twin Falls has hit the bonanza. 1t adopt
ed a licensing system that is expected to net the city $780,
600 for the fiscal year.
Twin Falls has 212 licensed slot machines. During the
first three months of the year they brought SLOT, 600 to
the city. In the first two months the take nearly equal
led the entire 1947 income from a flat license fee system
then in effect.
If the Twin Falls slot machine profits maintain their
first quarter record, each of the city's PIP machines would
average more than 50, 600 a year for the city. That means
the gross receipts Of each machine exceeds 81, 900 a year.
If the handles on other machines in the state were yanked
as often they would produce S12,0 o0,0 600 gross income to
slot machine owners annually.
That's a lot of nickels-and lemons. lend of press
release.)
*.
The state treasurer of Idaho reports there are 5000
machines operating in the state of Idaho.
In Montana, the best estimates available show there are
5000 machines (about one-fifth of this number pay a state
tax because Of the half-hearted laws under which they are
licensed
SO N TOWN in Idaho makes more on her 200 slot
machines than THE ENTIRE STATE OF MONTANA with
5000.
And this article in the Idaho paper shows the enormous
ored persons in Montana get rich from this source of rev.
enue which could be channelled into state, county and city
treasures.
As for other games and devices we need not go as far as
Nevada in legalizing gambling but the licensing and con-
trol Of q few tables, limited in number, will put the clip
Joint operators out of business.
Legalizing gambling isn't going to bring gambling to our
state. It's already here, so why not control it and cash in
on it as THE GREATEST TAX RELIEF MEASURE WE
CAN VOTE?
CEORCE M. MELTON,
Democratic Candidate for Governor
MELTON FOR GOVERNOR
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