Lawmakers approve gaming classes in counties with casinos.

JACKSON — State House members sent Gov. Phil Bryant legislation Thursday that would allow public community colleges and universities to teach gaming-related courses in Mississippi counties where gambling is legal.

Supporters cautioned that the legislation would authorize only courses related to the gaming industry, not teaching students how to gamble.

The intent of the legislation, approved on a vote of 78-37, is to teach gaming employees more skills related to their industry and raise their earnings potential.

The bill had passed the Senate Feb. 17 on a 34-17 vote.

It was not immediately clear whether any community colleges or universities would offer the courses in Tunica County, where casino gambling is legal.

The legislation House members approved would authorize courses “relating to gaming management, including, but not limited to, courses that provide instruction in accounting, hospitality, marketing, auditing, finance, procurement, security and regulatory requirements in fulfillment of a degree in general business man- agement, hotel and motel management, food and beverage management, gaming management, accounting or criminal justice.”

Supporters said casino operators are in need of skilled workers, such as slot machine repair technicians, to keep their gaming operations running.

“When a machine breaks down, it’s kind of like a tractor. It has to be fixed,” said Rep. Bennett Malone, D-Carthage.

Among the courses, according to the legislation, would be offerings related to “casino hospitality services, cage and count operations, and slot machine maintenance.”