[email protected] 406-491-0100 Endorsed by the IGT launches new games – P3 Vol. 26, Number 6 A Tash Communications Publication May 2021 Legislature wraps up Industry Boards, ‘treated dice play fairly’ get OK By Paul Tash By Paul Tash Montana Tavern Times Montana Tavern Times As the dust settles on a unique, The Montana Legislature COVID-restricted session that showed a willingness to relax ended April 29, industry represen- restrictions for some “social gam- tatives say Montana’s tavern and ing” activities in licensed establish- gaming businesses came out of it ments in the just-concluded ses- well. sion. “Legislators treated the hospi- Legislators approved bills tality industry very fairly,” said removing limits on sports boards, John Iverson, Montana Tavern Governor’s Office photo allowing more social dice games, Association’s lobbyist and govern- REP. JIMMY PATELIS, left, sits in front of the Capitol steps with Gov. and legalizing “bracket board” ment affairs consultant. “They Greg Gianforte during a bill-signing recently for some gaming bills. gambling. understood the efforts our small “I think it’s good for tavern businesses were making to survive “It was a very good session for cumstances. Due to COVID-19 owners,” said Rep. Jimmy Patelis, the pandemic, and their actions to gaming,” he said. “Legislators concerns, the session featured a (R-Billings), who carried the sports help those businesses are appreci- made thoughtful and sensible deci- combination of in-person and board and dice game bills. “People ated.” sions.” Zoom-available meetings and hear- are excited.” Neil Peterson, executive direc- The 67th Montana legislative ings. Hearing rooms were adjusted Patelis said allowing “patron” tor of the Gaming Industry session was completed on time, for distanced seating and capacity dice games to be played just made Association of Montana, agreed. despite some very challenging cir- See LEGISLATION Page 6 See BOARDS Page 6 Peterson retires from GIA position By Paul Tash focused and very professional. It’s Peterson, 67, helped guide GIA Montana Tavern Times gone by fast.” members through those tough Though his timing could have Well-known in licensed busi- times and into a slow multi-year been better at the start, Neil ness circles, Peterson came to the recovery, but then the COVID-19 Peterson offers nothing but posi- GIA in April 2008 having spent pandemic hit last March. Again, tive reflections on his 13-year almost three decades in the the gaming industry took a hit, but tenure as executive director of the Department of Revenue (DOR), a again it’s fighting its way back. Gaming Industry Association of good share of “It’s been a Montana. that time Helfert takes over – Page 7 yo-yo,” he said. “It has been a great opportunity directly “We want to get to work with members of the involved in the liquor licensing back to some consistent growth in GIA,” he said recently. “Every one process, which is a precursor to the industry.” MTT file photo of the members has been good to gaining a gaming license. Almost He said that while revenues are NEIL PETERSON work with. They’ve been business- immediately, challenges arose as trending upward currently, they Montana’s gaming industry was hit still haven’t returned to the high- with an indoor-smoking ban in mark levels of 2008, which had Change service requested: P.O. Box 4307, Butte, MT 59702 October 2009 and then economic finally been reached again in early chaos brought on by a nationwide 2020 right before the pandemic. PRSRT STD recession in the next couple of Plus, he said, gaming businesses U.S. POSTAGE PAID years. are dealing with costs that have Permit No. 93 “Those were some tough times continued to rise. Livingston, MT for industry folks,” he said. See PETERSON Page 7 Montana Tavern Times – 2 May 2021 May 2021 Montana Tavern Times – 3 IGT releases new games for Montana Games available on CrystalSlant, Cobalt machines By Paul Tash Montana Tavern Times Looking to rebuild the momen- tum it was riding just before the pandemic hit, gaming manufactur- er IGT is releasing a new three- theme game set specifically designed for the Montana market. “We’re excited for the launch of these new games,” said Blaine Bowman, IGT’s account manager “It’s very well done,” he said. also plays on the 10-game wild in Montana. The Scarab line game is played theme. The Players Edge 4.1 game set in 10-game sets where the player “It’s a very, very strong game,” features the “Scarab” line game, collects wilds in the first nine he said. the “Scarab” keno game and spins, and the 10th spin uses all the Bowman said the games, which “Rosa’s Fiesta” line game. The wilds collected. The Scarab keno will be available to all operators, new games will be packaged with game, which is making its world are performing very well in the traditional IGT favorites, including premiere in the Montana market, beta tests. the “Big City 5s,” with availability “We’re excited to have some expected within a month or two. new content available to the play- The state has approved the games, IGT’S COBALT machine, left, will er,” Bowman said. “They look and they are currently undergoing have the new three-game suite awesome.” For more information, contact beta testing in the field. developed by the gaming manu- Bowman at 406-208-5223. The games will be available on facturing giant. Above are screen two “expertly crafted” gaming shots of the “Rosa’s Fiesta” line machines that were introduced in game, “Scarab” line game, and Montana in November 2019 – the “Scarab” keno game. The screen CrystalSlant™ 27 slant machine shot on the lower right shows the and the Cobalt™ 27 upright “Scarab” line game’s pick screen. machine. Both provide “an enhanced yet familiar player expe- rience,” Bowman said, with IGT photos improved game play mechanics, with players until the pandemic hit monitor resolution, lighting and in March 2020. Now, IGT is gear- sound “that keep players engaged.” ing up again by adding the three With the November ‘19 launch new games this spring. of the two machines, IGT also Bowman said the Scarab line released 12 new games – six keno game “has been a very successful and six line. Those new games title in the commercial casino mar- were really gaining momentum ket.” • Karaoke 7 nights a week 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. • Newest Poker, Keno and Line Games MILODRAGOVICH, DALE, STEINBRENNER P.C. • Packaged Liquor To-Go Queen of Hearts Attorneys Card Club • Great Drink Prices Liquor License Transfers, Gaming Applications, Real Estate, Business Sales, and Estate Planning Best Live Poker Action in Town in the Queen of Hearts Card Room. GERALD W. STEINBRENNER crystalloungebillings.com (406) 728-1455 P.O. Box 4947 Fax (406) 549-7077 620 High Park Way E-Mail: [email protected] www.bigskylawyers.com Missoula MT 59806-4947 101 North 28th Street • Billings, Montana • 406-259-0010 GERALD W. STEINBRENNER Montana Tavern Times – 4 May 2021 Tavern Times Opinion/Editorial Website updates and card dealer rules Anne Gerken and provide the signature. GCD Communications Finally, please remember As we gravitate towards a with a card dealer license more mobile-centric culture, the comes responsibility. Rules for Gambling Control Division web- e want to poker are listed in the poker site is following suit and under- remind card dealer book, found on our web- going some necessary W page. Also, our investigators changes. We aim to provide a dealers to renew routinely check if card dealers more direct link to what you are licensed and wearing their need so you can get to it quick- their license before IDs. ly. This transformation will Here is the supporting involve condensing and reor- it’s too late – don’t excerpt from ARM 23.16.402 ganizing many of our resources, overlook that June CARD DEALER LICENSE: and we will make sure to pro- (3) A card dealer on duty in vide you with plenty of naviga- 30 deadline. a licensed gambling premises: tional help when the time Anne Gerken (a) must wear and display in comes. a prominent manner a valid any gambling licensure. But $30 fee. card dealer license issued to We would also like to offer GCD still provides a way • Photo and signature the card dealer; and a reminder to card dealer appli- for people to apply the taken at a local Motor (b) must comply with any cants. Licensed card dealers old-fashioned way – Vehicle Division player's or law enforcement offi- need to renew by June 30, not printing a form and office. cer's request to inspect the their birthdate. Though this filling it out by The last item is dealer's license. change occurred in 2019, it hand. For card a major hurtle for (4) A card dealer's license is continues to halt the renewal dealers, this some: visiting their nontransferable and may not be process for some unfortunate includes Form 4. local Motor Vehicle worn or displayed by any per- card dealers. We want to To apply as a Division office and son other than the named remind card dealers to renew card dealer outside of asking for a photo and licensee. their license before it’s too late TAP, fully complete Form 4 signature. We understand If you need help finding the – don’t overlook that June 30 and include: the obstacle of scheduling any- poker rule book or any other deadline. • $75 license fee. thing in-person. Still, keep this resources, we would love to Many of us who utilize a • Personal history statement MVD visit a high priority – the lend a hand.