Bill in Helena could help local antique dealers

A bill drafted last week and making its way through the Montana Senate could be the answer to a local antique dealer's problems with state gambling laws.

Whitefish store owners Ron and Eila Turner were taken by surprise Jan. 31 when three state gambling control agents showed up at the Cowboy Cabin on Wisconsin Avenue and told them they illegally possessed gambling devices.

The Montana Department of Justice agents hauled away two antique punch boards, two roulette wheels and one "chuck-o-luck" dice cage. Sealed as evidence for later removal were one blackjack table, one craps table and one craps board.

All the items except the punch boards date back to the 19th century, Ron said, and some of the items were on consignment. He estimated the total value of the seized items at $77,000.

The proposed bill would apply retroactively and allow the sale of gambling devices that will not be used for gambling.

Senate Bill 540 will amend existing law and apply retroactively. Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, said the bill will be put on the fast track if it passes the Senate by Feb. 28.

According to the revised bill, "An illegal gambling device may be possessed by a licensed retail business establishment for purposes of resale and not for operation."

Existing law does not differentiate between antique and operational gambling devices. Ron Turner said the items are antiques and are not intended for any gambling purposes.

The Whitefish Pilot has received numerous letters, e-mails and phone messages about the seizure of the antiques, many from out-of-state residents who read the story online.

Turner said he sought legal counsel from prominent lawyers in Whitefish and received a phone call from Gov. Brian Schweitzer.