NO NEED TO CHANGE GAMBLING LOSS LIMITS

Missouri's $500 loss limit is bad for the state's 16 casinos. That is the determination of study after study on the issue. Interestingly enough, the studies are all funded by the casinos, which have a definite stake in the matter.

The loss limit really has nothing to do with dollars and cents. It has to do with a pact with Missouri taxpayers. Riverboat gambling was sold as a tourist attraction in Missouri. The limit was an important component to ensure Missouri's casinos didn't promote hard-core gambling.

Without the loss limit, the majority of Missourians very likely would not approve gambling for this state.

Missouri isn't making as much on gambling as other states. So what? State coffers are overrun with tax dollars, so much so that a refund will be mandated by the Hancock Amendment.

The casinos came in to the game knowing that the loss limits were firmly in place. They gambled on the fact limits would be booted -- much in the same way cruising riverboats were quietly eliminated by the gaming commission.

Now that the game is well under way, everyone wants to change the rules. Missourians should cry foul.