[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 136 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE GAMING INDUSTRY

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                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, a few months ago I felt it necessary to speak 
out against alleged abuses in the gaming industry. I did so not to 
express disapproval of the gaming industry as a whole but to express my 
frustration with those in the gaming industry who may unfairly take 
advantage of their patrons. My earlier statement was related to the 
previous actions of SunCruz Casino at the time and based on the 
findings of Florida Attorney General Robert Butterworth and several 
news reports.
  I was concerned that some individuals who participate in gambling for 
entertainment and recreation can unwittingly fall prey to unethical 
practices by a few rouge casino owners. I said then and will repeat now 
that I am not anti-gaming, and I would not call myself pro-gaming 
either. I do, however, strongly believe in the concept that those who 
choose to gamble should be able to do so in the establishments of 
respected gaming interest who treat their customers and their 
communities fairly.
  Given the Attorney General's findings and the record of SunCruz under 
the previous owner, I did not believe that the casino was operating a 
fair and responsible establishment.
  Since my previous statement, I have come to learn that SunCruz Casino 
now finds itself under new ownership and, more importantly, that its 
new owner has a renowned reputation for honesty and integrity. the new 
owner, Mr. Adam Kidan, is most well known for his successful 
enterprise, Dial-a-Mattress, but he is also well known as a solid 
individual and a respected member of his community.
  While Mr. Kidan certainly has his hands full in his efforts to clean 
up SunCruz's reputation, his track record as a businessman and as a 
citizen lead me to believe that he will easily transform SunCruz from a 
questionable enterprise to an upstanding establishment that the gaming 
community can be proud of.
  Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement is not to criticize or 
promote the gaming industry or to favor one casino owner over another, 
but rather stand by the consumers who patronize casinos as a form of 
entertainment. I believe that every individual who visits a gaming 
vessel in Florida, should know that they are gaming in an establishment 
that represents the community well, and gives every individual a fair 
shot. I hope that all casinos owners and operators share in this 
philosophy. I look forward to the positive changes Mr. Kidan is more 
than capable of brining to the gaming industry and I hope that others 
will follow his lead when he brings positive changes to SunCruz.

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