Casino opponents -- worried about traffic and crime -- mobilize in St. Louis County - 2004-01-04
With public meetings and prayer vigils, some opponents in south St. Louis County are going up against plans for a new casino.

"None of us are of the mind-set that casinos or gambling are bad," though prospects of a gambling venue close to a south St. Louis County elementary school aren't acceptable, said Debbie Wirtel, a mother organizing parents against to the plan.

Wirtel, 41, worries about increased traffic, and said she believes after looking into the subject that gambling can contribute to societal problems, including crime and bankruptcy.
Read the full story at Jefferson City News Tribune

Fernley man wins a million off penny slot bet - 2004-01-04
A 40-year-old Fernley man became a millionaire Friday after betting $1.50 on a penny slot machine at a Reno casino.

James Lashua, who is stationed at Fallon Naval Air Base as an electronic tech senior chief, won $1,060,193.82 at the Atlantis Casino Resort when he stopped to buy his wife, Mercy, a gift certificate to the spa.

While there, he put $20 into a M*A*S*H™ machine, wagered the $1.50 maximum and won the million dollar progressive jackpot in about three minutes, Atlantis publicist Kristi Prentice said.
Read the full story at Reno Gazette Journal