Hungry Horse news., 1954-12-03
Gambling LaWS

II is about time Montana recognizes the extent
of gambling Furthermore if the state legazes gam
bling the law should be written by citizens inter-
ested in tax revenues rather than by persons VINO
own gambling establishments
movement was started in Montana this year
with the idea of legalizing gambling. Much OF the
financial support has come from establishments tnat
already have poker tables operating Problems for
this group include insecurity in not knowing When
their games might be closed down, though TINS sell
dom occurs. Furthermore they look longlngy at
Nevada's nationwide reputation OF beng Wloe open
and attracting crowds. 49,
We Doubt that the legislature in Helena will
legalize gambling Our senators and representatives
avoid most controversial subjects. On the oIher
hand it is very possible that an initiated measure
would pass II would be unfortunate to have this
1s drafted by ganbling establishments themselves.
Our thought is that this community and county
resembles every other part of Montana.
Benefit dances for firemen, civic clubs and even
church groups frequently have numbered STUBS that
result in a drawing where such items as turkeys
waffle irons and cash become prizes
MANY communities have trade stimulation plans
where cash and merchandise prizes come 10 persons
with lucky numbers.
There are school carnivals With roulette wheels
and bingo games. -,-.
Downtown at bars and clubs there are poker
games and punchboards, come and 60 Ihere are
even some regulations with merit such as mini
mum slOO in chips to enter game. II man mas
$50 he had better spend it on groceries. II IS us
Montana has laws forbidding gambling. Mean
while the bulk of the people participate IN lotter-
les. They love 'em.
The enforcement situation that would curb
gambling seems hopeless. .,..
do not have the backing of the people for such
program Almost one steps up to sign COM
plant. ., 90 soo
Furthermore the county attorney Is pald SS,ozo
wear with part of his office rent and secretary nue
in addition He can also practice law on the sloe
The sheriff gets So $50 year plus mileage ana an
ararten+ at the iail In view of increased popula-
ton and total valuations, the county wage ieVel
is increased $500 year for newly elected Officers
including the sheriff and county a''0lAe'' '0-
However we should keep in mind that man
will do Just so much for the pay he receives.
Gambling is beyond the jurisdiction Vi locai
cops for all practical purposes
In Helena Attorney General Arnold Olsen
made some effort to reduce this PUBIC urge MS
request for funds that would have resulteo IN lui
ther enforcement such as pay 1or speclal HiVes'i-
gators met refusal, from Repuohcan leslsla'u!e
Olsen is Democrat. Likely a Democrauc legs. eaSs
lature would have refused a Similar request 1i0A'
a Republican attorney general
The federal government has regulation that
establishments with punchboards must pay tax
of $50 year on each employe who conects money
nv means of a wagering device. A piece OF gum Oh
postcard given with the punchboard pull does not
make the device non-taxable.
We do not know to what extent Montana taV-
.r, orc obiding with federal regulation in paying
the tax on punchboards that illegal by state law.
We do know that when the federal agent comes
around on his tax enforcement mission some Oh
the places dispose of punchboards rather tnan pay
the tax. -. ;5 ~ +1a
gambling question Laws that curb this weakness
are less effective than prohibition IN 1881
If we are to have gambling, let this major en-
terprise help support better streets, scnools % alo
Ii 41xy
not have the gambling interests write the law lnat
would legalize poker games. wv