Blackjack plans create debate
07 Feb 2007
Plans to establish blackjack and craps tables at four West Virginia racetracks have been opposed.
Some 40 religious leaders, residents and state lawmakers have reacted angrily to the plans proposed in a new table games bill.
However, supporters of the move see the formation of such table games in casinos as an important development in order to keep pace with the revenue being generated in Pennsylvania since 61,000 video slot machines were authorized.
The bill indicates that there would be a 24 per cent tax on gross proceeds of table games, such as blackjack and craps.
As a consequence of the move, some $40 million would be generated for the state, including $33 million which would be classed as general revenue.
House majority leader Joe DeLong told the Wheeling Intelligencer earlier this week that authorities could put the state's share of money towards debt reduction.
"It could be a great service to the state to do that," he told the publication.