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West Point Lounge given two-year renewal after board reviews August 2024 gambling violation
Summary
The La Porte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission recommended a two-year renewal to the state for the West Point Lounge after the owner described an August 2024 'critter race' gambling incident, confirmed payment of a $500 fine and said the activity has stopped.
The La Porte County Alcoholic Beverage Commission recommended a two-year renewal to the state commission for the West Point Lounge at its Oct. 2 meeting after reviewing an August 2024 violation and hearing from owner Scott Mast.
Scott Mast, sworn before the board, described the incident as a novelty "critter race" operation in which patrons bet small amounts on stuffed animals rolling down lanes. He said he did not have the specific gaming permit required for that activity and that officers had informed him the operation was not permitted under his existing license. "I don't want to do it no more," Mast said, describing his decision to stop the activity after the enforcement contact.
Board members discussed the distinctions among gaming permits, including pull-tabs and licensed football boards, and said county regulators now have a low-tolerance posture for informal gambling events that are not operated under an appropriate gaming license. The board noted the lounge had paid a $500 fine related to the August incident.
Because more than a year had passed since the violation and no further violations had been reported, staff recommended and the board voted to recommend a two-year renewal to the state commission. The board explained that the recommendation will be forwarded to the state commission, which issues the final license. The owner was told he will not need to appear on the county agenda next year provided no new violations occur and routine renewals are filed.
