A year ago, West Virginia’s coffer began to cry out for a solution to alleviate its woes. One of the options was legalization of table gambling at the state’s four racetracks. Meanwhile, the legalized video gambling in Pennsylvania results in more gamblers flocking onto Pennsylvania sites, rather than West Virginia racetracks. This could translate into annual losses, amounting to $100 million in gambling proceeds due to the fierce competition.
In spite of the obvious advantages gambling at race track may provide for West Virginia, catering an attraction unavailable in the neighboring states, some delegates have not been zealous enough to vote for this gambling bill. Doing so, they prevent the much coveted clout for the state’s funds.
The Senators were attentive to the state’s existing problem and passed the table gambling bill, but the House was less benevolent on this regard, revoking the measure. Some delegates feel uneasy about the gambling bill, which is entangled in insurance firms and lawsuits. Therefore, they drag along a totally unrelated bill to one that is vital to spare a fiscal disaster in West Virginia.
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| Source: gamblingsmart news writer
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Sunday, 3 April 2005 |