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Cea 1' 9&7 CCanzaca <br />515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 <br />(612) 484 -2177 / FAX: (612) 484 -4538 <br />July 2, 1992 <br />TO: Mayor Hanson and Members of the City Council <br />FROM: Kathy Glanzer, Administrative Assistant <br />RE: Play 21 <br />MAYOR <br />Raymond G. Hanson <br />COUNCIL <br />Beverly Scalze <br />Bill Blesener <br />Rick Coilova <br />Jim LaValle <br />ADMINISTRATOR <br />Joel R. Hanson <br />In doing some research on Play 21, I spoke with Dan Boykin, <br />Department of Public Safety Gambling Enforcement, regarding their <br />experience in this area. Boykin indicated that for gambling to exist <br />there must be three elements present - chance, consideration, and <br />prize. Since Play 21's proposal involves no prize, technically it is <br />not considered gambling. However, Boykin expressed the concern that <br />with the blackjack equipment in place, there is room for error and <br />the potential for illegal gambling to occur. Boykin also questioned <br />the incentive for playing a game like this since there is no prize <br />involved. Boykin indicated that this is how video poker machines <br />were first proposed to be operated, however, bars then began paying <br />on points, resulting in illegal gambling. <br />I next discussed the matter with Commander Bergeron of the Ramsey <br />County Sheriff's Department. Bergeron indicated that his first <br />impulse would be against the proposal, feeling that it will lead to <br />other problems. Bergeron felt that individuals will get involved in <br />the game, expect some type of prize for their efforts, and when a <br />prize is not received, problems could occur. Bergeron pointed out <br />that the game will be played in an atmosphere where intoxicating <br />liquor is being served. Bergeron pointed out the number of events at <br />some liquor establishments have been a concern in the past. It may <br />not be wise to create a situation which could lead to additional <br />incidents. <br />Finally, I discussed the proposal with Sgt. Erickson of the <br />Minneapolis Police Department. Sgt. Erickson indicated that it is <br />his understanding that "Play 21" no longer operates in Minneapolis. <br />However, when it did, Minneapolis experienced no problems with it. <br />Erickson did comment that with the equipment in place there is the <br />potential for violations, such as bars awarding free drinks, etc. to <br />winners. Erickson felt that it was a question of how much <br />enforcement the City wanted to get involved in to ensure that there <br />is no consideration being awarded. <br />Page 23 <br />