During the beginning of January, West Virginia state leaders were restless because of the possibility of allowing roulette and other table games at the state’s four racetracks. This meant a potential $50 million to $60 million of gambling profit that Governor Bob Wise wanted to be a part of this legislation. However a change in the administration has brought a special session which did not include table games.
The gaming industry is preparing for the regular legislative session. According to the president of the West Virginia Racing Association, they are preparing a legislation to include roulette and other table games in the state’s four racetracks and a county-option election. If the bill passes it will allow the four counties with race tracks (Hancock, Ohio, Kanawha and Jefferson) to let local votes decide whether to permit or forbid roulette and other table games.
This issue involves much controversy but the president of the West Virginia Racing Association is optimistic. Optimism is part of the game especially when the bill is needed in order to balance competition from Pennsylvania and Maryland. If roulette, poker, blackjack and other table games were to be included in all four race-tracks, the Racing Association estimates $50 million to $60 million in revenue. The gambling industry is getting support from the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which has included table games legislation in its 2005 agenda.
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