The Colorado House has brought back from the grave a bill that would allow casinos advance lines of credit to their players. This has aroused outrage from the bill’s opponents.
The bill, SB23-259, has supporters and opponents on both sides of the aisle, reports Colorado Public Radio. Supporters argue that it would be a convenience for wealthier patrons, who wouldn’t need to bring large amounts of cash or use an ATM.
Rep. Marc Snyder, one of the bill’s sponsors, told CPR, “It’s really trying to attract folks that want to gamble … Gives them the opportunity ahead of time to apply for credit with the casino.” He added, “It’s something that the casinos feel will help them to build and maintain their customer base.”
The bill was voted down 34-31 on May 6. One who voted no was Rep. Richard Holtorf, who said, “If you’re having to borrow money to gamble that means you already spent the money you had to spend on gambling, and now you’re wanting to get in the game without any money.”
The bill had earlier been approved by the Senate. After the bill was defeated, Holtorf asked that the vote be taken again—and changed his vote. He claimed he had voted no by mistake. The bill passed 33-32.
Opponents of the bill were furious. Per CPR, one lawmaker griped: “This is why people lose trust in our government.” Another accused the bill’s sponsor of huddling with “special interests” just outside the chamber, before bringing the bill back for a second vote.
Rep. Jennifer Parenti declared, “This is not just a pretty big breach of the House rules … but calls into question the integrity of the entire second vote.” She added, “The people of Colorado deserve better.”
The differences between the House and Senate bill must be reconciled before a final vote, and Governor Jared Polis would need to sign it before it becomes law.
