I-892 backer fights loan-sharking allegations

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Canadian company sues over reports of activities in casinos

By NEIL MODIE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

A Canadian company, one of the biggest bankrollers of a ballot initiative to expand gambling in Washington, is using Canada's stringent libel laws to fight B.C. news reports that it allowed loan sharking in some of its casinos.

Great Canadian Gaming Corp. of Richmond, B.C., has denied the allegations. But they worry critics of Washington state Initiative 892, which would legalize non-tribal electronic slot machines and use tax revenue to lower property taxes.

And gambling regulators in this state said they are aware of the allegations.

King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng, a leading opponent of I-892, said the allegations -- which first arose from a lawsuit in Texas -- raise red flags.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/195539_gambling16.html