In Kentucky just two weeks of this year’s legislative session remains in which to push through a constitutional change that would allow casino gambling. Although the session actually ends on 15 April, it is widely believed that the bill needs to be adopted by the end of next week to have a chance of success. In Massachusetts the casino bill there is now thought unlikely to pass, with the House Speaker persuading legislators to change their position and vote against the initiative.

Governor Deval Patrick has support from many Massachusetts legislators and groups such as the Massachusetts Coalition for Jobs and Growth, but the powerful House Speaker Salvatore diMasi is firmly against allowing casinos to operate in the state. He states that the Governor’s estimates of the benefits are overstated and he is having sufficient success with his opposition to make defeat of the casino bill more than possible.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear needs 60 House votes for his casino bill to prosper, but lawmakers’ support remains stubbornly in the 50s. He wants casino tax revenue to avoid budget cutbacks, including a 12% reduction in funding for higher education. The racetracks, particularly the smaller ones, need slot machine revenues to survive beyond the short-term. Without expanded gambling racing is likely to cease at some tracks before the end of next year.

The governors of both states are pushing to get casino gambling because of growing budget shortfalls. Like many states throughout the US and beyond, governments are increasingly reliant on gaming to produce revenue to finance their programmes but the days of plenty could be declining. The economic situation in the country is already affecting gaming tax revenue in Nevada and New Jersey, and competition from the new slots operations in Pennsylvania is taking its toll. By now Kentucky and Massachusetts may have missed the gravy train, even if there is a goods train still waiting to deliver. (E-03.13.08)

© Copyright 2008 CasinoCompendium



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