JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- The Missouri Gaming Commission and casinos in the state are surprised to learn that the ballot initiative repealing loss limits took effect Election Day.

State regulators had assumed the initiative would not take effect until Secretary of State Robin Carnahan officially certifies
results, which may not occur until December. But the secretary of state's office said yesterday that the limits took effect Tuesday.

Upon learning of the interpretation from Carnahan's office, the Gaming Commission notified casinos yesterday to immediately begin applying the new law.

Besides repealing the gamblers' loss limit of $500 per two-hour session, the initiative also increased the casino tax rate and
capped the number of casino licenses that can be issued.

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