City extends skilled gaming moratorium
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The City of Grand Junction extended its moratorium on skilled gaming so it can better evaluate potential regulations, licensure, and potential collaboration with the state.
Skilled gaming, as defined by the amended zoning and development code, is described as adult entertainment that uses various machines, games, and devices to give money payouts.
Mark Bott, public information officer for the Grand Junction Police Department, tells WesternSlopeNow that local businesses like these have attracted crime in the past and the city is looking for ways to protect not only skilled gaming businesses but the businesses operating next to them as well.
“There has been a lot of calls for service around those businesses. In 2023, there was actually more than 250 calls for services,” said Bott. “Things ranging from shootings and assaults to drug charges all around those businesses. As a result, many of them did close. Went from 16 of those businesses down to just one in 2023.”
Discussion on skilled gaming will continue to determine if the city is able to adequately support those businesses.
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