Proposition A, an initiative to allow slot machines at the Guam Greyhound racetrack, was defeated at Saturday’s special election. Only 37% of voters were in favour of the move, and the antigambling lobby is questioning how many more times the electorate will be asked the same question. Similar initiatives were rejected in 2002 and 2006.

Last week the Guam Supreme Court ruled that the ballot on gambling could go ahead despite legal challenges. The Guam Election Committee was accused of a biased representation of the initiative and of not giving sufficient consideration to tax implications of the proposed law change. As the people of Guam proved, the antigambling lobby had no need to win its lawsuit – slot machines at the greyhound track are not wanted.

The owner of the greyhound track had portrayed slot machines as a tourist draw, a point disputed by those opposing the scheme. They claim that Guam could not compete as a casino destination and that the majority of tourists to the island are from Japan, most of whom to not visit the dog track. The failed initiative included an age limit of 21 to play the gaming machines, money for education and health care and more jobs paying wages 50% higher than minimum wage. (E-01.07.08)

© Copyright 2008 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage