GAMBLING PANEL AT CENTER OF CASINO FLAP

The gambling business in Missouri has become something of a mess, thanks to easy-go-lucky regulatory actions by the state's gaming commission and several legal decisions that should have been settled before the first riverboat casino ever set sail -- or became permanently docked in a pond.

At issue is whether 10 of Missouri's 16 licensed gambling boats can continue to operate. The Missouri Supreme Court recently ruled that boats floating in artificial moats couldn't legally offer slot machines and other games of chance.

But the Missouri Gaming Commission wants to hold hearings on whether or not these gambling boats are unconstitutionally located in artificial moats. A court has put a stop to these hearings.

No wonder.

This entire mess falls in the lap of Missouri Gaming Commission. It was this board that approved boats in moats instead of cruising the Missouri and Mississippi rivers as Missourians approved.

Now this same group wants to hold hearings to determine if the casinos acted illegally. Mind you, the casinos only acted on the advice of the Gaming Commission. It's ludicrous.

The commission last week approved a preliminary disciplinary order against a Kansas City casino operator because its boats are in moats. But the gambling regulators delayed punishment until the legal battles are over. The punishment could include the loss of the casinos' lucrative slots, which account for about two-thirds of their revenue.

A state judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the gaming commission conducting any further hearings. It was sought by two casinos.

The Missouri Gaming Commission should have no standing whatsoever in determining what happens next. In fact, this is the group that Missourians -- and the courts -- should take to task.

Where should Missouri gaming go from here? Is it fair to shutdown these multimillion-dollar casinos at this point? Where does the blame lie?

Many of these issues may be determined by the courts -- in costly and extended legal battles. It may take years to untangle it all and achieve a final determination.

While Missourians may have no say on the future of gambling in this state, the people and Legislature should take the Gaming Commission to task. With open eyes, they brought us to the mess we're in.

It is time for Missourians and Legislature to take a closer look at the duties and powers of this commission.