A recent domestic dispute that led to the would-be operator of the Elks Tower Casino in Sacramento being given probation and ordered to seek anger management and alcohol counseling could jeopardize the ability of Steve Ayers to win a casino license for the high-end card club he hopes to operate in the historic tower.
Ayers is a former steel fabricator who closed his business in 2016 to pursue his dream, that of owning a gambling hall.
However, in May Ayers pleaded no contest to a felony domestic violence charge against his wife. Ayers also has several past misdemeanors for DUI.
In granting a casino license state officials are required to take into account an applicant past and whether he might pose a threat to the public. The DUI misdemeanors might also provide grounds for disqualification.
Some legal experts point out that the background checks conducted by the Bureau of Gambling Control are mainly interested in discovering possible mob connections and financial crimes.
Ayers is trying to transfer an existing alcohol license to the Elks Tower location. His legal problems regarding domestic violence and DUI would not affect that ability, according to the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Department.
