In West Virginia legislators have finally approved a bill to allow table games at the state’s four racetracks. Increasing competition for gambling dollars in neighbouring states may have led to the bill being passed in both the House and Senate following years of debate. The Governor of West Virginia has agreed to sign the bill into law providing no technical or legal flaws emerge. Under the provisions of the bill, table games’ tax revenue will be shared between all counties and local governments.

In Texas another attempt is being made to legalise casino gambling. A bill has been introduced that would pay for the tuition and fees for high school graduates to attend a Texan community college or state university. The proposed legislation would permit 12 casino sites in Texas, three of which would be on tribal reservations. Video slots would also be allowed at horse and dog tracks. If the bill gains approval the issue would go on to the November ballot.

In both West Virginia and Texas legislators are looking at ways to keep gambling dollars within their states. At present local money is going beyond the state boundaries to be bet at casinos in states where they are legal. In the case of West Virginia, which already has slot machines at racetracks, the bill to add table games is partly a response to the opening of massive slots parlours in Pennsylvania.

In 2005 total consumer spending at US commercial casinos totalled over US$30 billion and, as gambling becomes more of a mainstream entertainment, figures for 2006 are expected to show further growth. Consumer spending at racetrack casinos exceeded US$3 billion for the first time in 2005, a 9.1% increase on the previous year. The top location was Charles Town, West Virginia with revenue of US$414.12 million. Two other West Virginia racetracks were also in the top 10 locations. (E-03.09.07)

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